"Ondaatje's lack of certainty seeps from the dialogue and characterizations to his choice of an overwrought aria-heavy score and a shoddy sense of style that recalls episodic television and myriad Silence of the Lambs rip-offs." - Jay Antani

Unlike Terence Davies, whose use of the cinematic past becomes a felt element in his storytelling, writer-director David Ondaatje repeats the past so inexpertly that The Lodger (an update of Alfred Hitchcock's 1926 film) is almost comically schlocky.

The pieces of information about Jack the Ripper scattered throughout "The Lodger" were actually kind of interesting. Also, I liked the absence of gruesome kill scenes that would normally accompany a film like this. Unfortunately, there are very few thrills in this wannabe thriller, which is a shame since its climax (had the preceding acts been executed with precision) could have been truly intriguing. Oh well, writers of directors of Hitchock's caliber are very rare. David Ondaatje proves it.

"...punctuated with just enough bloodlust to keep horror hounds happy."

"Ready-made for 3am HBO viewing, The Lodger is an unnecessary remake of a story that's already been covered more than enough times, thanks."

Bad Movie

Ugh... what a mess of a movie.