"An early sixties, black and white British gem from John Schlesinger. Tom Courtenay plays a dreamer who wants to bust out of his small town with the help of Julie Christie. One of the saddest endings to a comedy I’ve ever seen. I saw John Schlesinger give a Q&A after a special screening at the Film Forum, and he said he didn’t feel that the ending was sad at all, just appropriate to Billy’s character."

"One of the scariest, most pessimistic modern horror movies, dressed as a romance. Roeg never had the elements come together the way they do here. Pino Donaggio’s score is unforgettably lush, and a reminder of how vital a collaborator movie music is. Christie and Sutherland are chic in deserted Venice. One of the most shocking climaxes ever—dread-filled and bloody. One of Paramount’s big Christmas films of 1973—today you can only marvel at that."

"Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie both look amazing in this film. It’s also a brilliant document of Venice in the early ’70s. It’s a stunning-looking film. And interestingly, Geoff’s father-in-law was the main cameraman! The scene at the top of the bell tower in St. Mark’s Square, where Donald Sutherland’s legs are dangling—they’re Geoff’s father-in-law’s legs! I don’t think Donald fancied the climb?!! It’s also the best horror ending ever, without a doubt. —Billy Fuller"