Deep End

1 9 7 1 (West Germany/UK)

This quirky black sex comedy is one of the great lost films of the late 60s/early 70s. From Polish director Jerzy Skolimowski, Deep End captures the sense of impending dread and spiritual breakdown at the end of the decade like no other movie. 

John Moulder-Brown stars as Mike - a teenage psychopath (working in a public bathhouse  in a decidedly un-swinging London) who becomes obsessed with doe-eyed Susan (Jane Asher) with shocking results. 

Mike soon learns to exploit his looks by flirting with the women and encouraging them to fantasize about him. He develops an enormous crush on Susan but, looking upon him as a boy, she rejects his advances by telling him she is engaged. Her constant teasing drives him wild and her affair with the swimming instructor infuriates him. Crazed with his obsessive love, he plots to break them up.

The film has an uneasy sense of humor and is well acted (especially by Asher), and well worth seeing. Terrific score by Kraütrock greats Can and British songwriter Cat Stevens.