A Film a Day – Blue Steel (1990)

Jamie Lee Curtis has a really bad day at work, meets an American Psycho and is helped by The Kurgan in Kathryn Bigelow’s Blue Steel. A film I had been aware of, but had never sat down and watched.

A rookie in the police force must engage in a cat-and-mouse game with a pistol-wielding psychopath who becomes obsessed with her.

Last year I tried to watch at least one film a day. I failed. This year I am going to try again.

Should you choose to accompany me on this venture, I am writing regular updates, sharing the films I’ve watched and my thoughts on some of them. I am based in the UK, so I’ll note if certain films may not be available on streaming platforms in your region. Additionally, I’ll be referencing release dates from IMDB.com.

Follow my Film A Day hereEnough preamble – let’s dive straight into my most recent celluloid adventure.

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Blue Steel (1990)

• Director: Kathryn Bigelow
• Writer: Kathryn Bigelow, Eric Red
• Cast: Jamie Lee Curtis, Ron Silver, Clancy Brown
• Watched on Prime Video

Lately, my film choices seem to be guided by past watches and the whims of streaming algorithms. Netflix, Disney+, and Prime are my go-tos, primarily because they have apps on the PS5. While I also have Arrow and MUBI, the lack of apps means I need to connect my laptop to the TV, which, honestly, doesn’t always happen. Just a random note on my current viewing habits.

Blue Steel caught my eye in Prime’s ‘Films Leaving In 30 Days’ section. Always on my to-watch list, it seemed like the right time. With Jamie Lee Curtis, Clancy Brown (a genuinely nice guy when I met him at NYCC), and Ron Silver—directed by Kathryn Bigelow, whose films I always make time for.

The story unfolds with Jamie Lee Curtis as Megan Turner, a rookie cop who, on her first day, shoots a crook played by Tom Sizemore. Ron Silver’s Eugene Hunt, on the scene, runs off with the crook’s gun. Megan faces potential dismissal as they can’t find the weapon. Eugene, experiencing a psychotic spiritual awakening, goes on a killing spree in NYC with the stolen gun.

Throughout, Megan gets assistance from Clancy Brown’s Detective Nick Mann, initially suspicious of her involvement before realizing Eugene is the killer.

The film crafts a compelling cat-and-mouse narrative, with Eugene manipulating his way into Megan’s trust, eventually revealing his gruesome deeds. The tension rises as he believes he’s a god meant to be with Megan, engaging in a twisted game of psychological warfare.

It’s a gripping thriller with genuine surprises and some shocking shootings. Ron Silver excels as an unhinged rich guy with a sinister smile, particularly in the scene where he works out and hears voices. Clancy Brown is a joy to watch, gradually understanding the gravity of the situation.

Jamie Lee Curtis anchors the film with a convincing portrayal of a female cop pushed to the edge. Seeing her home life, it is easy to understand why she would want to become a police officer. The film also echoes elements of John Carpenter’s Halloween, as she’s pursued by a killer who always appears when least expected.

Bigelow’s direction is tight, keeping the focus sharp. My only gripe is the constant close-ups, which, while possibly intentional for tension, left me yearning for more expansive shots. Towards the end, it edged close to parody with numerous scenes featuring Ron Silver raising his gun while grimacing.

Overall, it was a thrilling watch that I’m happy to have finally crossed off my list.

Have you seen Blue Steel? What did you think of it and what film should I watch next?

For those of you partaking in a daily film regimen, I encourage you to share your cinematic journey in the comments below. Let us exchange thoughts on the films we’ve watched—our impressions, delights, and perhaps the occasional disappointment.

Total Films Watched this year – 23

Happy viewing!

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