Deathtrap (1982)

Deathtrap (1982)

From Cinema Spectator by ECFS Productions

May 26, 2026 · 1h 8m · Episode 282

About this episode

The episode discusses the film Deathtrap (1982) and its modern twists and performances.

Continuing our series on the films of Sidney Lumet, we take a look at Deathtrap (1982). Based on Ira Levin’s hit stage play, the film follows a struggling playwright who becomes obsessed with a script written by one of his students. What follows is a series of twists, double-crosses, and surprises that make Deathtrap feel remarkably modern for a thriller of its era. Anchored by strong performances from Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve, the film keeps finding new ways to pull the rug out from under its audience. Enjoy our discussion of one of Lumet’s most unique and entertaining films. Cinema Spectator is a movie podcast hosted by Isaac Ransom, Juzo Greenwood, and Cameron Tuttle. The show is executive-produced by Darrin O’Neill and recorded and produced in the San Francisco Bay Area, CA. You can support the show at patreon.com/ecfsproductions. Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @cinemaspectatorpodcast. Isaac and Cameron began recording podcasts with their first project, Everything Comes from Something (2018), and are now focusing on new weekly content for Cinema Spectator. Cameron Tuttle is a full-time professional cinematographer who majored in film at SFSU…

People in this episode

Hosts: Isaac Ransom, Juzo Greenwood, Cameron Tuttle

Topics covered

  • thriller
  • film analysis
  • Sidney Lumet
  • play adaptation
  • plot twists

Keywords

  • Deathtrap
  • Sidney Lumet
  • Michael Caine
  • Christopher Reeve
  • film discussion

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Cinema Spectator, ECFS Productions

Books & works: Deathtrap, Ira Levin

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