**Praying Mantis (film)**
**Definition:**
*Praying Mantis* is a 1983 American psychological thriller film directed by Jack Gold. The film stars Michael Learned and Frederic Forrest and explores themes of obsession, manipulation, and psychological trauma.
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# Praying Mantis (film)
## Overview
*Praying Mantis* is a psychological thriller released in 1983, directed by Jack Gold and written by William Hanley. The film delves into the dark and complex relationship between a disturbed woman and a man she becomes obsessed with. It is noted for its intense character study and exploration of mental illness and emotional manipulation.
## Plot Summary
The story centers on a woman named Susan, portrayed by Michael Learned, who is a deeply troubled individual struggling with emotional instability and a traumatic past. Susan becomes fixated on a man named David, played by Frederic Forrest, whom she meets under seemingly ordinary circumstances. As their relationship develops, Susan’s obsession grows increasingly dangerous, leading to a tense and suspenseful narrative that examines the psychological impact of trauma and the destructive nature of obsession.
Throughout the film, Susan’s behavior becomes more erratic and controlling, revealing layers of her psychological distress. David, initially unaware of the extent of Susan’s instability, finds himself trapped in a web of manipulation and fear. The film builds toward a climactic confrontation that highlights the consequences of unchecked mental illness and the vulnerability of those caught in its path.
## Cast
– Michael Learned as Susan
– Frederic Forrest as David
– Supporting cast includes several character actors who contribute to the film’s tense atmosphere.
## Production
*Praying Mantis* was directed by Jack Gold, a British filmmaker known for his work in television and film dramas. The screenplay was written by William Hanley, whose writing often focuses on complex characters and psychological themes. The film was produced in the early 1980s, a period marked by a growing interest in psychological thrillers that explore the darker aspects of human nature.
The production aimed to create a claustrophobic and intense atmosphere, using tight framing and subdued lighting to reflect Susan’s mental state. The performances, particularly by Michael Learned, were central to conveying the film’s emotional depth and psychological tension.
## Themes and Analysis
### Psychological Trauma and Obsession
At its core, *Praying Mantis* is an exploration of psychological trauma and its effects on behavior. Susan’s character embodies the destructive potential of unresolved emotional pain, and the film portrays her obsession as both a symptom and a cause of her deteriorating mental health.
### Manipulation and Control
The film also examines themes of manipulation and control within personal relationships. Susan’s interactions with David reveal a dynamic where emotional vulnerability is exploited, leading to a toxic and dangerous connection.
### Gender and Power Dynamics
Some interpretations of the film highlight the gendered aspects of the narrative, considering how Susan’s role as a woman with mental illness challenges traditional portrayals of female characters in thrillers. The film presents a complex character who is neither purely victim nor villain, but a nuanced individual shaped by her experiences.
## Reception
Upon its release, *Praying Mantis* received mixed reviews. Critics praised the performances, especially Michael Learned’s portrayal of Susan, for its intensity and authenticity. However, some found the film’s pacing slow and its narrative somewhat predictable within the thriller genre.
The film did not achieve significant commercial success but has since been noted for its psychological depth and character-driven storytelling. It remains a point of interest for viewers and scholars interested in psychological thrillers and portrayals of mental illness in cinema.
## Legacy
While not widely known, *Praying Mantis* contributes to the genre of psychological thrillers by focusing on character psychology rather than action or suspense alone. It is an example of early 1980s cinema that sought to explore complex emotional and mental health issues through film.
The film has been discussed in academic circles for its portrayal of mental illness and the dynamics of obsession, offering insight into the cultural attitudes toward psychological disorders during the period.
## Conclusion
*Praying Mantis* stands as a psychological thriller that prioritizes character study and emotional complexity. Through its portrayal of a woman’s descent into obsession and the impact on those around her, the film offers a compelling, if unsettling, look at the human psyche and the consequences of trauma.
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**Meta Description:**
*Praying Mantis* is a 1983 psychological thriller directed by Jack Gold, exploring themes of obsession and mental illness through the intense relationship between a troubled woman and a man she fixates on.