The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992)
Directed by Curtis Hanson
A suburban family chooses seemingly sweet Peyton Flanders as their newborn's nanny. Only much later does the infant's mother, Claire Bartel, realize Peyton's true intentions -- to destroy Claire and replace her in the family. The nail-biting suspense builds quickly in this chilling psychological thriller about deception and bitter revenge.
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6 films that influenced The Hand That Rocks the Cradle
What critics say influenced The Hand That Rocks the Cradle
Five years before adapting and directing the modern masterpiece L.A. Confidential, Curtis Hanson helmed this sizable box office hit that, like 1987's Fatal Attraction, used home invasion as a crafty commercial hook.
Don't be gulled by those who would compare "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle" to "Fatal Attraction," which features three strong characters who, in one way or another, are ready to answer for their actions.
In a delicious game of domestic subterfuge that plays like a remake of Joseph Losey's "The Servant," Peyton undermines Claire's existence while seducing her with a smooth impersonation of the ideal mother's helper.
This switcheroo is a well-worn tactic in thrillers ranging from Hitchcock's "Shadow of a Doubt" to Joseph Ruben's "The Stepfather," and "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle" (rated R for violence, sex and language) isn't in their class.
The movie borrows from "To Kill a Mockingbird," casting Ernie Hudson (the forgotten Ghostbuster) as a mentally retarded handyman who is not permitted to touch the children.
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This switcheroo is a well-worn tactic in thrillers ranging from Hitchcock's "Shadow of a Doubt" to Joseph Ruben's "The Stepfather," and "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle" (rated R for violence, sex and language) isn't in their class.
On the other hand, movies about deranged women showcase some of the best roles available to women, as Kathy Bates demonstrated when she picked up an Oscar for "Misery."