Apt Pupil

1998
R
1h 51m

IMDb RATING

6.7/10

42K

YOUR RATING

Play trailer2:32

2 Videos

99+ Photos

Crime Drama Thriller

A boy blackmails his neighbor after suspecting him to be a Nazi war criminal.A boy blackmails his neighbor after suspecting him to be a Nazi war criminal.A boy blackmails his neighbor after suspecting him to be a Nazi war criminal.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.7/10

42K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 6 wins & 10 nominations

Trivia
Sir Ian McKellen admitted he was surprised to be asked to play 75-year-old Kurt Dussander, since he was only 57 at the time of filming.

Goofs
When Todd is walking down the hall to give Kurt Dussander the costume, the dolly track is visible on the floor in the hall.

Quotes
[last lines]
Edward French: Now, wait a minute. You're going to tell people that I did something to you, Todd?
Todd Bowden: I don't want to drag you down with me, but I will. I'm better at this then you are.
Edward French: Better at what? I'm trying to help you, Todd. Can't you see that?
Todd Bowden: You've helped enough.
Edward French: I am not going to do nothing.
Todd Bowden: Well, you'll fucking have to! If you ever tell anyone about this... the things I'm gonna say about you... they'll never go away. Not for you. Not for your life or career. Think of your job. Think of your son. Even if no one believes me, the police and media will make a background check on you and they will find something. Some dirt such as... the real reason why your wife left you.
[after a short pause]
Todd Bowden: So... what's it gonna be? Do we have a deal?
Edward French: You can't do this, Todd.
Todd Bowden: [coldly] You have no idea what I can do.

Crazy credits
The film has a 1997 copyright date in the credits.

Alternate versions
According to the Technical Specifications link for this film, there is a one minute longer version available in Argentina (total time 1 hr 52 min (112 min)).

Connections
Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Beloved/Happiness/Practical Magic/Love Is the Devil/The Cruise (1998)

Soundtracks
Tristan Und Isolde
Written by Richard Wagner
Performed by Carlos Kleiber and The Bayeurth Festival Orchestra
Courtesy of Koch International by arrangement with Source/Q

User reviews302

Review

Featured review

8/10

Probably even more relevant these days

Huh! I didn't quite appreciate this when it first came out, but I'm quite impressed with it now. I had no idea it was a King story either. But it does feel like one after a ways into it. I hadn't remembered it was even horror. I do think it could have delivered more pretty easily. I wonder if the original story does?

Either way, it's a haunting and unique piece well delivered. The kid isn't exactly incredible but gets carried with a wildly good experience from McKellen. As I said. It probably could have had more teeth, but it's way better than I expected and remembered. Probably because it is even more relevant today? Or more poignant anyway, with fascism flying flags all over these days.