Visiting Hours (film)

Visiting hours

Visiting Hours is a 1982 Canadian slasher film directed by Jean-Claude Lord and starring Lee Grant, William Shatner, and Michael Ironside. The film follows a feminist activist who becomes the target of an obsessive and deranged killer, leading to a series of brutal attacks in a hospital where she is recovering. Visiting Hours is notable for its commentary on violence against women, media sensationalism, and the portrayal of a relentless stalker, making it a subject of both criticism and analysis in the horror genre.

Plot

The story centers around Deborah Ballin (played by Lee Grant), a television journalist who is violently attacked in her home by Colt Hawker (played by Michael Ironside), a misogynistic psychopath who has been triggered by her advocacy for women's rights. Surviving the attack, Deborah is taken to a hospital to recover. However, Hawker, undeterred, follows her to the hospital, intending to finish what he started. The hospital becomes a terrifying battleground as Hawker uses his cunning to evade security and target not only Deborah but anyone who stands in his way. Gary Baylor (played by William Shatner) is the hospital's public relations head, who becomes entangled in the ensuing chaos.

Cast

• Lee Grant as Deborah Ballin
• William Shatner as Gary Baylor
• Michael Ironside as Colt Hawker
• Linda Purl as Sheila Munroe
• Lenore Zann as Lisa
• Harvey Atkin as Vinnie Bradshaw

Production

Visiting Hours was filmed in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and is characterized by its use of real hospital settings, which adds to the film's atmosphere of claustrophobia and realism. The director, Jean-Claude Lord, aimed to create a slasher film that was not only terrifying but also carried a message about the consequences of hate and obsession.

Reception

Upon its release, Visiting Hours received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the film for its suspenseful sequences and social commentary, while others criticized it for its graphic violence and portrayal of women. Despite the mixed critical reception, the film has gained a cult following over the years among fans of the slasher genre.

Themes

Visiting Hours explores themes such as violence against women, the impact of media on public perception, and the psychology of stalking. The film's antagonist, Colt Hawker, represents the extreme consequences of misogyny and obsession, making Visiting Hours a relevant study in the dynamics of power and fear.

Legacy

The film is considered a notable entry in the Canadian horror film landscape and is often discussed in the context of 1980s slasher films. Its approach to blending horror with social commentary has been analyzed in film studies, particularly regarding its commentary on gender and violence.