Play Misty For Me (1971)

A disc jockey (Clint Eastwood) picks up a fan (Jessica Walter) at a bar and takes her home where they have sex. But what was intended to be a one night stand turns into a nightmare when she proves mentally unstable and stalks him until the situation eventually turns lethal. Directed by Eastwood in his directorial film debut, this psychological thriller signaled the emergence of one of the most important film directors in the coming decades. The film and role were a departure for Eastwood, who had found screen stardom in westerns and as an action hero. MISTY is Hitchcockian in tone and Eastwood's character an ordinary man in extraordinary circumstances. Also, the violence is quite graphic for its day although Eastwood doesn't dwell on it. Eastwood also shows his ability of getting great performances from actors (over 10 actors have received Oscar nominations under his direction) and Jessica Walter gives a chilling portrait of an obsessive psychopath. In 1987, FATAL ATTRACTION was a massive hit using basically the same narrative although Eastwood's womanizer in less sympathetic than Michael Douglas's philandering husband. The only downside are the scenes with Donna Mills which tend to slow the movie down. Not Mills' fault, it's just the least interesting part of the film. With John Larch, Irene Hervey and Don Siegel.