Even though I love Peter Weir's early stuff, I didn't really think I'd care for this made-for-tv 'thriller'. But I'm trying to finish Weir's filmography, so I gave this a try. I was pleasantly surprised. I will say that technically, this film doesn't... (read more) Even though I love Peter Weir's early stuff, I didn't really think I'd care for this made-for-tv 'thriller'. But I'm trying to finish Weir's filmography, so I gave this a try. I was pleasantly surprised. I will say that technically, this film doesn't really stand out, but other than that it really does have an early Weir feel to it. The tension between the plumber and the character of the wife was excellent. I felt like I was in her shoes and felt just as awkward and nervous as she must have while trying to figure out the plumber's real intentions. The wife's dive into paranoia was great, and very similar to The Last Wave in that regards. After the hour mark, the film becomes a little more silly as the acting starts to suffer when the script calls for something less subtle and calm. But the very last freeze frame shot was haunting and really stuck with me. Overall, it's a great movie.

This TV movie is a bit enigmatic, so I'm not sure what I think. As a thriller, it's not very satisfying because the plumber never seems likely of turning truly dangerous, rather than taunting and belligerent. There's little suspenseful tension. On... (read more) This TV movie is a bit enigmatic, so I'm not sure what I think. As a thriller, it's not very satisfying because the plumber never seems likely of turning truly dangerous, rather than taunting and belligerent. There's little suspenseful tension. On the other hand, there's a good deal of emotional tension between the plumber and the wife, which plays out in an interesting, humorous, and oddly rivetting way--making for satisfying psychological drama.

An early gem from Peter Weir, and an exceptional TV movie. It's very funny and has some interesting psychological interplays. A very amusing time passer.

This was an extra on the DVD for Weir's "The Cars that Ate Paris" and its by far the better film. Suspenseful and engaging, it depicts the growing tension between a well-off couple, both college professors, and a folksy, incompetent handyman. Often s... (read more) This was an extra on the DVD for Weir's "The Cars that Ate Paris" and its by far the better film. Suspenseful and engaging, it depicts the growing tension between a well-off couple, both college professors, and a folksy, incompetent handyman. Often startlingly effective, and takes a number of surprising turns.

'The Mad Plumber', lol. Some American distributor was obviously desperately trying to con people into thinking it's a horror film. It's actually a psychological drama of sorts, a rare TV movie by Peter Weir. An interesting premise, with a typically q... (read more) 'The Mad Plumber', lol. Some American distributor was obviously desperately trying to con people into thinking it's a horror film. It's actually a psychological drama of sorts, a rare TV movie by Peter Weir. An interesting premise, with a typically quirky Australian sensibility, that could have been better executed.

Good luck finding this early Peter Weir film! Well-acted, absorbing, and extremely strange by all modern American standards. A simple psychological portrait with a dark sense of humor, atmospheric horror, and a very memorable performance by Ivar Kant... (read more) Good luck finding this early Peter Weir film! Well-acted, absorbing, and extremely strange by all modern American standards. A simple psychological portrait with a dark sense of humor, atmospheric horror, and a very memorable performance by Ivar Kants.