Inspired by '40s noir classics Double Indemnity and Out of the Past, Body Heat - written and directed by Lawrence Kasdan, writer of Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Empire Strikes Back - Body Heat is one of the sweatiest movies ever made; an erotic thriller/neo noir come dreamscape, and one of the best films that William Hurt ever had the pleasure of starring in. The movie, which also stars Kathleen Turner in what is undoubtably the sexiest role of her career, takes it cues from Double Indemnity, but it's not just a homage played for laughs. It's an intricate picture, not a cheap knock-off. After all, the characters are wonderful and the atmosphere... well, would it be wrong to say that this movie feels drenched in sex? Imagine what it might've been like on the set - the erotic energy must have been simply palpable! That said, this is Kathleen Turner's movie, and you'll come away thinking of her.
Sam Hill is an ardent cinephile and has been writing about film professionally since 2008. He harbours a particular fondness for western and sci-fi movies.
