I found this film to be unusual in the sense that it wasn't a predictable, hollywood-type film complete with the obligitory happy ending. Tension builds slowly as the struggle between good and evil takes some unexpected turns. Low budget and largely unknown but well done.
14 Reviews
Not Bad, Nice Scenery
madonnadamia24 February 2015
Gay Rowan was a very good actress, I liked her in the TV show, The Starlost, with Keir Dullea. She seems to have stopped acting around 1984. Ms. Rowan gives a stellar performance in this film as the mistreated wife. This film is suspenseful all the way, and never gets boring. The farmers wife, played by Hollis Mclaren is an absolute hottie. Big on action, paranoia, and diabolical lunacy. Well made for a low budget film from the mid 1970's. The husband played by Dominic Hogan is a complete nut job. The costumes in the film are so 1970's they need to make a comeback. Hogans three piece suit is great. Though not a masterpiece, I give this an 8 out of 10.
I'd love to see this film again
rcs81 October 1999
I saw this on local TV in Detroit over 20 years ago and thought it was fantastic, though quite violent. I've searched for it on TV or video over the years, but to no avail. Hardly anyone seems to have seen this flick, though it is mentioned in the Blockbuster film book. I'd love to see this film again, but not living in Toronto or Vancouver, I may be out of luck!
A little slice of psycho-thrills in the sunny countryside
Cru321 May 1999
Warning: Spoilers
A little seen, very low budget Canadian film from the mid-seventies, before the explosion of tax shelter deals when a film of this type would pop up in a local theater for a couple of days then vanish into oblivion.
Honestly, it's not that bad, and after viewing it again recently for the first time in more than a decade I found it to be strangely entertaining.
Dominic Hogan is wonderfully sleazy as a twitchy, scheming business failure dressed in pure 70's bad fashion. He realizes his lovely wife is cheating on him, and during a weekend drive in the country a heated argument ends when their car plummets off the road into a ravine. Both are injured; she seriously; instead of playing hero and husband Hogan sees a fat insurance settlement and leaves her to die. The wrench in his plans arrives as Dan Hennessey, a driver passing by on the remote road who stops to help.
He'll live to regret this gesture, as a cat and mouse game begins between the husband, intent on covering his tracks at all costs, and the good samaritan, who finds himself bloodied, bewildered, and looking increasingly guilty of manslaughter. The story culminates at a farmhouse where the husband has sought refuge; before the film ends characters will die, and it won't necessarily be whom you expect.
What I liked in particular about this film was that the director doesn't care to offer happy endings or false heroics. The idea of a situation spinning rapidly out of control in a lovely, remote locale where help is not readily available is a good framework to build a suspenseful story. "Sudden Fury" may look low budget, but catch it in the right frame of mind and you just may find yourselves enjoying a little something out of the ordinary.
Honestly, it's not that bad, and after viewing it again recently for the first time in more than a decade I found it to be strangely entertaining.
Dominic Hogan is wonderfully sleazy as a twitchy, scheming business failure dressed in pure 70's bad fashion. He realizes his lovely wife is cheating on him, and during a weekend drive in the country a heated argument ends when their car plummets off the road into a ravine. Both are injured; she seriously; instead of playing hero and husband Hogan sees a fat insurance settlement and leaves her to die. The wrench in his plans arrives as Dan Hennessey, a driver passing by on the remote road who stops to help.
He'll live to regret this gesture, as a cat and mouse game begins between the husband, intent on covering his tracks at all costs, and the good samaritan, who finds himself bloodied, bewildered, and looking increasingly guilty of manslaughter. The story culminates at a farmhouse where the husband has sought refuge; before the film ends characters will die, and it won't necessarily be whom you expect.
What I liked in particular about this film was that the director doesn't care to offer happy endings or false heroics. The idea of a situation spinning rapidly out of control in a lovely, remote locale where help is not readily available is a good framework to build a suspenseful story. "Sudden Fury" may look low budget, but catch it in the right frame of mind and you just may find yourselves enjoying a little something out of the ordinary.
Suddenly furious.
morrison-dylan-fan17 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Joining in on ICM's Canadian Challenge,I started checking my DVD watch list piles for flicks to play. Getting the title thanks to it sounding like a tough Grindhouse movie,I was excited to unleash some sudden fury in Canada.
View on the film:
Going to the backwoods for his own written and directed film,writer/director Brian Damude & cinematographer James B. Kelly serve up a choice chunk of Grindhouse grime,with the odd out of focus and unsteady camera move adding to the scruffy Grindhouse quality.
Using every inch of Matthew McCauley's spidery score,Damude gives the title a great menacing atmosphere,with rugged whip-pans revealing how far Al and Janet are for any escape from the psycho.
Limiting the sudden fury to a handful of characters,the screenplay by Damude strikes with a wonderful viciousness,from Janet and Fred pecking at each other in the first scene,to Al finding out the risk of being a "have a go hero."
Going down on a Grindhouse hicksville farm for the final, Damude fires off a double barrel of harsh nihilism,as Al experiences sudden fury.
View on the film:
Going to the backwoods for his own written and directed film,writer/director Brian Damude & cinematographer James B. Kelly serve up a choice chunk of Grindhouse grime,with the odd out of focus and unsteady camera move adding to the scruffy Grindhouse quality.
Using every inch of Matthew McCauley's spidery score,Damude gives the title a great menacing atmosphere,with rugged whip-pans revealing how far Al and Janet are for any escape from the psycho.
Limiting the sudden fury to a handful of characters,the screenplay by Damude strikes with a wonderful viciousness,from Janet and Fred pecking at each other in the first scene,to Al finding out the risk of being a "have a go hero."
Going down on a Grindhouse hicksville farm for the final, Damude fires off a double barrel of harsh nihilism,as Al experiences sudden fury.
Extremely Frustrating Ending
mjenson5714 February 2024
This is a very well made movie with the exception of there being too many improbabilities to be believable. The tension is remarkable but a little over done which can cause the movie to drag in places. The introduction of the characters is very well done and the evolution of the antagonist is totally believable. At first the protagonist is thought to be the wife of the antagonist but that switches as the movie develops. This is when the improbabilities start to pile up and continue to do so until it becomes a little too hard to believe. It is the main reason the ending of the movies is so unsatisfying and leaves one hoping that there is a Part Two as another reviewer mentioned. Over all I would recommend this movie but not if you are looking for an escape from a tough life, this is not a good choice in that case.
Meet Fred. Fred is a genuine psychopath!
Coventry24 January 2020
Big shot Hollywood producers take a pencil and a notebook, because this ultra-cheap and sadly obscure 70s exploitation thriller succeeds - almost effortlessly - where practically 99% of all nowadays attempts fail miserably. I'm talking about sheer and genuine tension from start to finish, a simple but original and compelling plot, unpredictable and shocking story twists, being horrific without the use of a single special effect, etc. "Sudden Fury" honestly deserves to be wider known, or is at least entitled to an immortal cult status, as it truly was one of the most engaging viewing experiences I've had in the past couple of years.
Never heard about writer/director Brian Damude before, but he surely deserves utmost respect and credit for his screenplay that continuously sets you on the wrong foot. At the very beginning of the film, you automatically sympathize with lead character Fred, because he finds out that his wife Janet is unfaithful and lying to his face. Shortly after, when the two of them are driving along the godforsaken roads of rural Ontario, it becomes abundantly clear that Fred is a naive dreamer, an entrepreneurial failure, and an ill-tempered brute! When they get into a car accident that seriously injures Janet, Fred thinks up a series of diabolical schemes that even turn him into a genuine psychopath! One of the sliest and most loathsome psychopaths ever, in fact! I really don't want to reveal everything that happens next, but rest assured Brian Damude still has many nasty, courageous and startling surprises in store. Also, the ending may feel unnatural and unsatisfying at first, but it's actually quite brilliant.
Of course, one could righteously state that films like "Sudden Fury" have badly dated. These days everybody has mobile phones and reliable GPS-systems (although they probably wouldn't find a signal on these backwoods roads), but seen in its mid-70s frame, it's a nightmarish thriller. The film makes excellent use of the awesome remote filming locations, and there's a good old-fashioned moody country-soundtrack. The performances are terrific all around, but I simply must put Dominic Hogan in the spotlights for his role as Fred. Unfortunately, he died shortly after the release of "Sudden Fury", and Brian Damude incomprehensibly also never made another movie after this hidden treasure.
Never heard about writer/director Brian Damude before, but he surely deserves utmost respect and credit for his screenplay that continuously sets you on the wrong foot. At the very beginning of the film, you automatically sympathize with lead character Fred, because he finds out that his wife Janet is unfaithful and lying to his face. Shortly after, when the two of them are driving along the godforsaken roads of rural Ontario, it becomes abundantly clear that Fred is a naive dreamer, an entrepreneurial failure, and an ill-tempered brute! When they get into a car accident that seriously injures Janet, Fred thinks up a series of diabolical schemes that even turn him into a genuine psychopath! One of the sliest and most loathsome psychopaths ever, in fact! I really don't want to reveal everything that happens next, but rest assured Brian Damude still has many nasty, courageous and startling surprises in store. Also, the ending may feel unnatural and unsatisfying at first, but it's actually quite brilliant.
Of course, one could righteously state that films like "Sudden Fury" have badly dated. These days everybody has mobile phones and reliable GPS-systems (although they probably wouldn't find a signal on these backwoods roads), but seen in its mid-70s frame, it's a nightmarish thriller. The film makes excellent use of the awesome remote filming locations, and there's a good old-fashioned moody country-soundtrack. The performances are terrific all around, but I simply must put Dominic Hogan in the spotlights for his role as Fred. Unfortunately, he died shortly after the release of "Sudden Fury", and Brian Damude incomprehensibly also never made another movie after this hidden treasure.
There's way too much convenience that makes this film to be overrated
jordondave-2808521 August 2023
(1975) Sudden Fury
PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER
Written and directed by Brian Damude that has a husband, Fred Bates Dominic Hogan) finding out that his wife, Janet Bates (Gay Rowan) has been cheating on him by a simple call back she claims she was at. And by the time they are driving through the highway, Janet's husband Fred tricks her by making her think she was going one place, only to driver to someplace else. And leads her to walk away to look at at a particular sighting, for the purpose of trying to convince her to help him invest into another business venture. And when she refuses, both argue some more and almost caused a car accident with a random guy named Al (Dan Hennessey).
Written and directed by Brian Damude that has a husband, Fred Bates Dominic Hogan) finding out that his wife, Janet Bates (Gay Rowan) has been cheating on him by a simple call back she claims she was at. And by the time they are driving through the highway, Janet's husband Fred tricks her by making her think she was going one place, only to driver to someplace else. And leads her to walk away to look at at a particular sighting, for the purpose of trying to convince her to help him invest into another business venture. And when she refuses, both argue some more and almost caused a car accident with a random guy named Al (Dan Hennessey).
A memorable movie
dreaddy220 June 2005
I saw this movie when I was a teenager and always thought there was going to be a part Two. That never happened. I like movies with plots that are unpredictable and this movie is just that. It takes you in so many directions and has so many surprises. While you do hope things straighten out for the hero you never know what will happen next. It is very believable and the actors (none of whom I remember) are excellent. This is a movie I've longed to see again but never got the opportunity. Hope the Canadians see it fit to commit this excellent move to video. This is one of the thrillers that, once you see it, you'd never forget it. It's worth seeing and I intend owning it.
Great hicksploitation thriller.
HumanoidOfFlesh17 June 2010
Brian Damude wrote and directed this highly entertaining low-budget thriller shot on a very slender budget and using a number of personnel from Ontario's Ryerson University. Dominic Hogan,Gay Rowan,Dan Hennessey, Hollis McLaren and David Yorston star in this tale of a married couple whose weekend drive in the country takes a serious detour into bloody madness and murder.Very suspenseful and skilfully directed exploitation gem with several suspenseful scenes set in Canadian wilderness.The soundtrack is excellent and the acting is very good.A must-see,if you liked "Trapped","Death Weekend","Shoot" or "Wolf Lake".8 out of 10.
Suddenly furious
jimhuinink23 August 2016
I remember this movie from when I was a kid. I remember it being quite effective. Low budget, yes, but also elemental and quite engrossing. This was shot on location in the remote backwoods of Ontario and really had a very Canadian feel to it. Would love to find a copy of it somewhere. Funny that both stars went on to star in the low budget Canadian sci-fi series Starlost, which was neither effective nor engrossing. I remember they'd show it quite often on Canadian movie series, back in the days when network television owned the world of movie watching. Jeeze this ten line rule really makes you go on too long about movies you barely remember but do want to note.
Crackerjack Canadian thriller
Woodyanders15 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Hapless fidgety loser Fred (well played to the wormy'n'weaselly hilt by Dominic Hogan) leaves his estranged wife Janet (a fine performance by Gay Rowan) on a remote countryside road to die after surviving a car crash with her. Good samaritan Al (an excellent and engaging portrayal by Dan Hennessey) tries to come to Janet's rescue only to be set up by Fred as the guy who killed her.
Writer/director Brian Damude relates the crafty and compelling story at a constant pace, makes nice use of the beautiful and isolated rural locations, ably builds a considerable amount of tension, maintains a dark gritty tone throughout, stages some exciting last reel action with aplomb, and concludes things on a bold ambiguous note. Moreover, the bang-up acting by the sturdy cast keeps this movie humming: Hogan astutely nails the antsy and conniving nature of his desperate character while Hennessey impresses as the likeable hard-luck protagonist. In addition, there are praiseworthy supporting contributions from Hollis McLaren as sweet farmgirl Laura, David Yorston as tough farmer Dan, and Eric Clavering as an amiable gas station attendant. Both James B. Kelly's crisp cinematography and Matthew McCauley's spirited shivery score are up to speed. A real sleeper.
Writer/director Brian Damude relates the crafty and compelling story at a constant pace, makes nice use of the beautiful and isolated rural locations, ably builds a considerable amount of tension, maintains a dark gritty tone throughout, stages some exciting last reel action with aplomb, and concludes things on a bold ambiguous note. Moreover, the bang-up acting by the sturdy cast keeps this movie humming: Hogan astutely nails the antsy and conniving nature of his desperate character while Hennessey impresses as the likeable hard-luck protagonist. In addition, there are praiseworthy supporting contributions from Hollis McLaren as sweet farmgirl Laura, David Yorston as tough farmer Dan, and Eric Clavering as an amiable gas station attendant. Both James B. Kelly's crisp cinematography and Matthew McCauley's spirited shivery score are up to speed. A real sleeper.
Almost works
Wizard-826 May 1999
Judging from the date and location, I must have caught the same broadcast the previous poster got!
I generally dislike the movies my country makes, both for their terrible production values, and for their obsession of making movies about sexual perversion and/or depressing topics that no sane person wants to see. (Other countries, seeing our movies, must think we are freaks!)
SUDDEN FURY, on the other hand, is an exception to that rule. It's hard to believe that the usual "art-only" government film funders funded this movie, since it's more or less a suspense thriller that was made to entertain an audience! Also, since the movie is almost totally shot outdoors, the usual cheap production values associated with Canadian films is seldom seen.
The story actually has some suspense, and I was frequently wondering what was going to happen next. However, the movie goes on too long, and the last few minutes play out like the filmmakers suddenly ran out of money (two characters actually talk out loud about what they are going to do, instead of actually playing it out - which would have been more suspenseful.) Also, there were some glaring clues and circumstantial evidence(one involving different guns and bullets) that are never brought up. Either the screenwriter didn't think about these details when writing this movie, or that there was indeed a different written ending that would have brought these up.
Still, above average for a Canadian film. Certainly better than the movies the government funds these days, including that HORRIBLE movie "Paint Cans"!!!
I generally dislike the movies my country makes, both for their terrible production values, and for their obsession of making movies about sexual perversion and/or depressing topics that no sane person wants to see. (Other countries, seeing our movies, must think we are freaks!)
SUDDEN FURY, on the other hand, is an exception to that rule. It's hard to believe that the usual "art-only" government film funders funded this movie, since it's more or less a suspense thriller that was made to entertain an audience! Also, since the movie is almost totally shot outdoors, the usual cheap production values associated with Canadian films is seldom seen.
The story actually has some suspense, and I was frequently wondering what was going to happen next. However, the movie goes on too long, and the last few minutes play out like the filmmakers suddenly ran out of money (two characters actually talk out loud about what they are going to do, instead of actually playing it out - which would have been more suspenseful.) Also, there were some glaring clues and circumstantial evidence(one involving different guns and bullets) that are never brought up. Either the screenwriter didn't think about these details when writing this movie, or that there was indeed a different written ending that would have brought these up.
Still, above average for a Canadian film. Certainly better than the movies the government funds these days, including that HORRIBLE movie "Paint Cans"!!!
Great thriller
profkringsconsulting22 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I found the film accidentally and had no expectations. I was very pleasantly surprised. It starts off with showing the first character as a wronged person. But as the story develops it turns out that he really is a very nasty piece of work. The character development is mirrored in the music which starts very harmonic and becomes more and more atonal. Without giving too much away: the first obstacle he meets is trying to kill a wife that just won't die. Next is an unforeseen nemesis. The more the two men try to hunt each other the more complications arise and the more unforseen plot twist happen. It is one of those rare films where even an experienced viewer can't really guess what's going to happen next.
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