I Am The Cheese (1983)

The movie's title and DVD cover kept catching my attention at the movie store. I finally rented it and was not disappointed. I watched it without having heard about the book or anything so I went in unbiased. On its own, I'd say it was quite intriguing. It kept you guessing... even after it ended. The ending was rather unclear, but fascinating and puzzling in a good way. I'd say, if you have read the book, don't spoil the movie for somebody else because you did not think the movie gave the book justice. Just judge the movie on its own. Sure it was low budget, but just appreciate it for its good points--the intriguing plot, the beautiful scenery, and the intense emotion. Over all, I would recommend this movie to anyone who is able to branch out and be adventurous. Just watch it and see if you like it. Judge for yourself.

This movie gets confusing, but once you make sense of it you will like it even better. That's part of the fun. It was based on the book of the same name, and follows it pretty faithfully. The story involves a kid who is confined to a psychiatric ward. He is apparently having delusions and is confused about what is real and what isn't. (Can anyone say, "A Beautiful Mind?")He has two birth certificates, his parents are dead, and he has to sort thru his memories to decide what is real. Confused yet? It will all make sense at the end when you see it. I will not give anything else away.*** out of ****

The people who made I Am The Cheese disregarded the atmosphere of the original novel. The movie is bright and cheery. The interrogation scenes take place in a well-lit, normal-looking office. The doctor is basically nonthreatening. The drama of Adam's situation is underplayed and subdued, and the movie insults the book by adding an ending that fits the movie's sanitized view of the story. A new version of this film would be really cool, if any studio had the initiative to take on the project. Since the cast is so small and the story requires little in the way of special effects, an independent production could work out very well. Today's audiences would probably react well to a version of I Am The Cheese that stays true to the style of the book -- dark, threatening, and mysterious. It's a shame nobody's bothered to dig up the rights.

this was an outstanding film with some very funny moments. it was one of the classic films of the eighties and i'm suprised that no one else has reviewed this classic tale.this film is a must for all the families so rush out and rent it now. you wont want to take it back10 out of 10