You'll never guess! Gary Busey plays a completely unhinged lunatic in our film today. I know, you saw Gary Busey's name and expected to see a movie about a Supreme Court justice, or a docu-drama on King Charles III. Nope, a certifiable crazy. Actually...these aren't my descriptions, it really is his role. Oh, even better, at least for you guys, the very attractive Mimi Rogers plays his sultry object of desire. With Mimi Rogers in great peril, Gary Busey shines in a role made for him. Our feature today is 1989's "Hider in the House," directed by Matthew Patrick.
Many years ago Tom (Busey) was tortured, tormented, and burned by his abusive lunatic parents. Then, as a child, he murdered them and has been in an insane asylum ever since. Now in his 30s, budget cuts necessitate he go free...bad idea. Tom wants to live in a nice house and sees one under construction in a ritzy neighborhood. He sneaks in and builds himself a secret room in the attic. Then the owners move in, a great looking family. Julie (Rogers) and Phil (Michael McKean) and their two cute kids. Tom rigs the intercom system so he can hear the goings on in every room. He even hears Phil being short with the lovely Julie, even denying her passion when she needs it. He is able to sneak out in the middle of the night or when everyone is out of the house for food and amusement. Poor Tom, when the family dog gets too close, he murders it. When the pest guy gets too close, he murders him.
Now Tom finds out Phil has a slut on the side and what he does is classic. You'll see, but Phil did have it coming. Julie is devastated and kicks her husband out leaving her alone and vulnerable. Tom, pretending to be a good neighbor charms Julie. Being vulnerable, Julie asks few questions to Tom. Bad judgment, as more will die horribly, and Tom sees himself moving into Phil's spot and becoming Julie's mate. Julie begins suspecting. Phil keeps calling and sending flowers to apologize, but Tom makes sure Julie never gets the messages or flowers. Then Tom decides to rev it up a bit and become the dominant man Julie needs. What follows if horrific.
Mimi Rogers is beautiful in this and we wince every time Tom looks at her through his hiding places. Julie even skinny dips, to Tom's delight, and will even sneak in the bathroom while Julie is showering. Is Julie doomed? Is the rule about skinny-dipping and dying horribly in effect here? Is Julie too beautiful to die horribly at the hands of a lunatic? Enjoy Mimi Rogers in a very alluring performance as a damsel in much danger, and enjoy Gary Busey in a role that is perfect for him. See "Hider in the House" and enjoy a good suburban horror story.
