Notes on "Jack’s Back” (1988), starring James Spader

Admittedly, "Jack's Back", the 1988 James Spader vehicle that I presumed was unfortunate, actually has some merit. Spader plays twin brothers. One brother, John Wesford, is a doctor and a humanitarian. The other brother, Rick, is dark, brooding and unhinged with a scar on his face (what we would call an emo method actor today). In a ludicrous stretch of our suspension of disbelief, the film informs us that dark and handsome manages a shoe store.

Spader as Rick is detached, cool, and seems preternatural, knowing more than the cops investigating the murder of his brother. He claims to share a mental bond with his good brother. At every opportunity, he is shirtless (i.e.: wakes from a nightmare, sweat-drenched), or lies in bed, displaying bulging underwear (Editor's Note: Bugle Boys? It was the 1980’s and the brand was running a campaign). Various artful posing shots abound of Spader looking sexy and cool. He smokes and drives a lot, looking detached and cool. Ah - the 1980's obsession with looking cool. Still, it’s a fun film, even if the director insists the characters look cool, even racing down a staircase.

The supporting actors do an admirable job of exhibiting sexism (beat cops), anger management (black police chief), comic relief, and dejection (the latter tasks fall to the black co-worker, pulling double duty). Spader's co-worker's are also sexually charged and either openly flirtatious, suggestive or lascivious or breathless around him. The male, effete, hypnotist Dr. Carlos Battera on the case drools over Rick with obvious attraction (and the director Rowdy Herrington too, perhaps?). Naughty, both, then.

The musical score by composer Danny Di Paola is brooding, simmering, with pop music undercurrents that echo Miami vice and other crime fare of the era. Some shots remind one of "To Live and Die in L.A.", another flawed masterpiece of note. But “Jack’s Back” is must-view for James Spader completists. It’s a fascinating and mixed 1980’s serial-killer flick, praised at the time by Roger Ebert. “Jack’s Back” is like a moving fashion magazine layout for young and hot Spader. 

Thanks go to friend Helen for recommending.