Movie Review: Body Double (1984)

★★★★★

Never thought I’d call a movie this sleazy ‘genius’ but Body Double really nails that mix of thriller and satire. Totally wild experience!

Derek D.

Minnesota

If there’s one thing you can say about Brian De Palma, it’s that he never shies away from making you squirm while keeping your eyes glued to the screen. Body Double (1984) is one of those movies that has divided critics for decades. Some see it as trashy pulp. Others view it as a clever satire of Hollywood voyeurism. Me? I think it’s both, and that’s what makes it such an unforgettable entry in De Palma’s career.

When I sat down to revisit Body Double, I was instantly reminded of how weirdly hypnotic it is. You’ve got all the ingredients of a classic De Palma thriller: obsession, sex, violence, and those trademark camera tricks. But beyond the obvious Hitchcock homages (Rear Window and Vertigo are all over this movie), what struck me this time were the layers of commentary on Los Angeles itself. This isn’t just a murder mystery or an erotic thriller; it’s also a movie about how Hollywood chews people up and spits them out, especially those chasing stardom.

The Plot in a Nutshell (Without Spoilers)

Craig Wasson plays Jake, a struggling actor who finds himself with a temporary house-sitting gig in a sleek, ultra-modern Hollywood Hills home. With a telescope, he spies on a beautiful neighbor who performs a nightly striptease. That setup alone would be enough to fuel a voyeuristic thriller, but De Palma takes it further: Jake witnesses what seems to be a violent crime, and suddenly he’s pulled into a world of murder, deception, and the adult film industry. Melanie Griffith’s character, Holly Body, becomes the unexpected key to solving the mystery.

The Hollywood Critique Most People Miss

A lot of reviews over the years focus on the erotic thriller elements, or call it a sleazy Hitchcock rip-off. But what doesn’t get talked about enough is how Body Double skewers Hollywood itself. Jake is constantly being humiliated as a struggling actor; he can’t catch a break, his career is stalled, and when he thinks he’s finally found purpose, it’s in the most exploitative way possible. Even the glitzy settings feel artificial, like movie sets instead of lived-in spaces. De Palma is winking at us the entire time, reminding us that Los Angeles itself is a stage and everyone’s performance is just another hustle.

Melanie Griffith’s Breakthrough Role

We can’t talk about Body Double without giving credit to Melanie Griffith. Her role as Holly Body, a porn star with more heart and brains than people give her credit for, is what elevates the movie beyond sleazy pulp. She steals every scene she’s in, and honestly, she brings an almost satirical punch to the role. When she explains the tricks of her trade to Jake, you realize this isn’t just about titillation; it’s about the business of fantasy and how men consume it. Griffith earned a Golden Globe nomination for a reason: she’s magnetic here.

The Music Video Scene

One of the most bizarre and brilliant parts of Body Double is the Frankie Goes to Hollywood “Relax” sequence. It comes out of nowhere, Jake wanders onto a porn set and suddenly the movie turns into a surreal music video. A lot of people dismissed this as gratuitous, but I see it as De Palma leaning into the artificiality of it all. It’s campy, sure, but it also feels like a time capsule of the 1980s when MTV was dominating the culture. That moment alone makes the movie a pop-art oddity worth revisiting.

Why Body Double Still Works Today

Yes, it’s sleazy. Yes, it’s over the top. But Body Double still holds up because it’s a bold, unapologetic snapshot of 1980s Hollywood. The neon lighting, the synth-heavy score, and the constant blurring of fantasy and reality give it a surreal edge that feels more intentional the older it gets. Watching it now, I’m struck by how relevant its themes are, especially with conversations about exploitation, voyeurism, and Hollywood’s dark underbelly still ongoing.

My Takeaway

For me, Body Double is one of those cult films that you either “get” or you don’t. If you watch it as a straight thriller, you might roll your eyes. But if you watch it as a satirical deconstruction of Hollywood dreams, it’s way more rewarding. Personally, I love that De Palma went for broke here. It’s messy, it’s provocative, but it’s also completely unique. Not many movies can be ridiculous and genius at the same time. Body Double somehow pulls it off.

If you’re into 80s thrillers that aren’t afraid to get weird, or if you’re curious about the darker side of De Palma’s career, this one is worth revisiting. As I often say here at Box Review, movies like Body Double might not always get the mainstream credit they deserve, but they leave a lasting impression that sticks with you long after the credits roll.