Butterfly (1982)

Another film based upon a book by James M Cain and, naturally, another controversy. Cain's work always tended to focus upon emotions running high and passion, particularly, sexual passion, being exploited for another's gain. Postman Always Rings Twice and Double Indemnity also exploit these human frailties (qualities?) but they never encounter quite the derision heaped upon this fine film. Strangely, enough, a most faithful interpretation of the book, just lacking the sticky claustrophobia of the original's interiors. Obviously this is disliked because of the way the 'incest' scenes are played but it is, as they say, only a film and this is not meant as a an advertisement but as an exploration. Worse things than this happen as we well know and to fall over ourselves to throw the first stone at a movie seems crazy. Especially if it has one of Stacy Keach's best performances, a great and most convincing one from Pia Zadora (who deserved her Golden Globe newcomer award) and at least an interesting late appearance from Orson Welles. Super cinematography, competent direction, fine score from Morricone and great steamy story. What's not to like?

Butterfly (1982) ** (out of 4)Based on the James M. Cain novel, this film centers on the young Kady Tyler (Pia Zadora) who returns home to live with her father Jess (Stacy Keach) and soon she begins to seduce him. Yeah, you read that right. Zadora made history with this film as she won the Razzie Worst Actress award while at the same time winning the Golden Globe New Star of the Year award. You can read about the controversy behind the Globes win elsewhere but to say this film is normal would be a very big lie. BUTTERFLY isn't nearly as bad or as trashy as its reputation would have you believe. It's not a soft-core porn flick if that's what you're expecting but more of a romantic mystery that probably shouldn't have been made. Those coming to the film to see how horrid Zadora is are also going to be disappointed because I really didn't find her as bad as the film's reputation. It seems she just became a punchline after winning the Golden Globe and while she's certainly not great or even good here, there's no doubt that she's taken way too much heat for the performance. I thought she played that dirty teenager well enough for a film like this. What she lacks is certainly made up by Keach who is actually very good here. I thought he did a very good job at showing the conflict that his male/father character had over the sexual advances of his daughter. Another person who's "bad performance" reputation is somewhat of a lie is that of Orson Welles who plays a judge. I really didn't find him to be bad here and in fact I thought he was quite good and that his performance certainly had a wink to the viewer to it. The film falls flat on a few levels including the running time, which just goes on way too long. The screenplay itself just doesn't have enough interesting moments to help keep the thing entertaining from start to finish. Another problem is that director Matt Cimber just doesn't add enough spark or energy to the picture. BUTTERFLY will probably always been known as a disaster but I think its reputation is quite unfair. It's not a good movie but there are certainly much worse out there.

Is it Citizen Kane? No, but it does also feature a wonderful performance from Orson Welles. That and a beautiful song sung by star Pia Zadora over the end credits. Admittedly the film drags a bit, and features a somewhat implausible storyline. It's definitely not for all audiences because of those elements.Nevertheless, Matt Cimber created a thoroughly interesting and entertaining film in 'Butterfly'. It's certainly worth at least one viewing, if anything simply for the credits song "It's Wrong For Me To Love You" and Welles' delightfully over-the-top turn as Judge Rauch. Ennio Morricone's haunting musical score also complements the intrigue of the film's events quite nicely.

It's been too long since I first watched this movie on cable; but from what I remember, it seemed kinda erotic. Then again, in the 80's I was a teenager, hungry for a glimpse of a chicks boobs, if nothing else. The whole "incest" thing disturbed me a bit, but I also remember the bathtub scene when she took Keach's hand and put it down between her legs....... guess I'm still just hungry for a glimpse of a chicks boobs... if nothing else.Was this movie really worse than I remember it being???I'm almost afraid to watch it again, even if I COULD find it anywhere, for fear that it truly did reek.