Tattoo (1981)

Tattoo (1981)

“A tattoo isn’t something you put on or take off just like sunglasses; it’s a very important decision.”

Synopsis:
A deranged tattoo artist (Bruce Dern) becomes obsessed with a model (Maud Adams), eventually kidnapping her and tattooing her entire body.

Genres:

  • Bruce Dern Films
  • Kidnapping
  • Models
  • Obsessive Love
  • Psychopaths

Response to Peary’s Review:
Peary refers to this notorious psycho-flick (written by Joyce Bunuel) as “sick” and “repulsive”, but I find it to be a reasonably compelling psychological thriller, thanks to the perverse lead performance by Dern (who’s perfectly cast). Adams is just annoying enough that you tend to (guiltily) root for the disturbed Dern instead — though naturally (and fortunately), he “gets his” in the end. The tattoo work throughout is stunning.

Redeeming Qualities:

  • Bruce Dern as the love-torn psychotic
  • Stunning tattoo work

Must See?
No, but it’s worth watching for Dern’s performance.

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One thought on “Tattoo (1981)

  1. ⭐️⭐️

    I haven’t seen this since HBO screenings in the early ‘80s. Unsymapthetic characters and dogy sexual politics are my abiding memory. Another interesting, but forgotten film that deserves another viewing.

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