Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:
- Artists
- Disembodied Parts
- Horror
- Michael Caine Films
- Oliver Stone Films
Review:
Written and directed by Oliver Stone, this hokey psychological horror film about a necrotic, dismembered hand taking on a life of its own — guided by, or guiding, the will of its original owner — was apparently viewed as simply a paycheck-opportunity by Michael Caine, who nonetheless turns in a surprisingly invested (if occasionally overblown) performance. With just a couple of exceptions (i.e., Caine’s shower knob morphing into a metal hand), the special effects are laughably shoddy — which, interestingly enough, Stone himself acknowledges in the refreshingly candid, detail-filled commentary provided on the DVD release. Indeed, one’s opinion of the movie may alter somewhat after listening to Stone’s humble reflections; knowing some of the issues he faced (including lack of full creative control) gives one a bit more compassion for the end result. Regardless, this one is really only recommended for diehard horror fans, Caine completists, and/or those curious to see Stone’s early work.
Note: This is often cited as a remake of Robert Florey’s horror classic The Beast With Five Fingers (1945) — but all the two films have in common is a disembodied hand wreaking havoc, and a man going slowly insane because of it; the storylines are otherwise completely different.
Redeeming Qualities and Moments:
- A committed performance by Caine

- Atmospheric cinematography

Must See?
No; you can definitely feel free to skip this one.
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One thought on “Hand, The (1981)”
First viewing. Skip it, it’s junk.
It seems, from the time Oliver Stone first went behind the camera, he wrestled with his cinematic intent – a lot… until he finally happened upon his real vision as a filmmaker. The first full realization of his passion (in the form of ‘Salvador’) would come 5 years after ‘The Hand’.
(Peary also includes Stone’s 1974 film ‘Seizure’ in his back titles – so apparently I have that ‘joy’ to look forward to.)
‘The Hand’ is just plain crap that fails on every level. It aims more for psychological horror – and, gradually, there’s a sense that the director begins to systematically play with the audience’s collective head (which is all that could probably have been done with a script this awful – but that’s not satisfying either).
The first full hour – sadly – is almost achingly dull for something in the horror vein.
Caine’s character is more or less a one-note jerk – and I didn’t notice him bringing much of anything to the table here. ~although I will say I found it somewhat amusing when he’s ultimately doing battle with his own hand (late in the film). In that single sequence, I did think, ‘Now *that’s* acting!’ 😉
In short: a bunch of people got together and thought this project was a good idea. They thought wrong.