Impulse (1974)

Impulse Poster

A paranoid, leisure-suit-wearing conman/gigolo named Matt Stone seduces lonely women, bilks them of their savings via an investment scam, then kills them. When he begins seeing an attractive widow, her daughter Tina becomes suspicious of his motives.

Movie Summary
"Impulse" is a 1974 American thriller film directed by William Grefe and starring William Shatner as the psychopath and ruthless serial killer, Matt Stone. The narrative unfolds in Tampa Bay, Florida, whose serenity is rocked by extraordinary events triggered by the antagonist.

Plot Summary
Matt Stone, played by William Shatner, ends up being an orphan at a young age when his mother's fan eliminates her and after that himself, causing severe injury that shapes Matt's character. As a result, Matt turns into a captivating yet lethal psychopath, utilizing his charisma to attract well-off women just to murder them later in cold blood for their wealth.

In Tampa Bay, Matt crosses paths with a rich widow called Julia Marstow, portrayed by Ruth Roman. Julia, uninformed of Matt's real objectives, is drawn towards his charm and is undoubtedly fixated with him. She enters the picture when Matt tempts an antique store owner, later on found dead, exposing his sordid motive behind this love.

What makes his character more paradoxical is his closeness to a girl, Tina, represented by Kim Nicholas, who establishes an innocent crush on him. Matt showcases a remarkably soft side around Tina, safeguarding and supporting, differing his otherwise cruel disposition.

Psychological Depths
"Impulse" takes an in-depth check out the psyche of a serial killer, with Matt's character presenting an interesting chameleon-like personality. He charms unsuspecting females with his charisma, even revealing a gently paternal side with Tina, but swiftly changes to a cold-blooded killer, displaying his deadly side.

The director uses extreme visuals and sharp discussions to highlight Matt's spooky character further. His traumatizing childhood built an impulse in him that pushes him over the edge, triggering a chain of terrible occasions. The story stresses how a rough past might significantly affect a person's behavior, making an introspective mental expedition a considerable part of the movie's story.

Vital Reception and Performance
"Impulse" included memorable efficiencies, with Shatner's persuading representation of a psychopath making specific praise. His acting contributed intensely to the relatively high-powered part of his character's perpetual drive to kill. Ruth Roman and Kim Nicholas also performed their roles appreciatively well, with their innocence producing an emotive contrast against Matt's brutal character.

However, the audiences mainly had mixed evaluations about "Impulse" as it was commonly slammed for its absence of finesse and obvious cinematic flaws. Some viewers applauded the movie's storyline for its extensive exploration of a demented killer's mindset, while others criticized it for its foreseeable plot and weak character advancement.

Conclusion
Overall, "Impulse" is a deep mental thriller that follows the life of a man-turned-monster and his criminal killing spree. Its story is charged with suspense, frightening scenarios, and surprising turn of events, delivering a spine-chilling cinematic experience. The film's ending remains engraved into the audiences mind, with Matt's supreme fate functioning as a stark suggestion of his life scarred by his traumatic past and highlighting the film's central theme - the harmful power of impulses.

Top Cast

  • William Shatner (small)
    William Shatner
    Matt Stone
  • Ruth Roman (small)
    Ruth Roman
    Julia Marstow
  • Jennifer Bishop (small)
    Jennifer Bishop
    Ann Moy
  • Kim Nicholas
    Tina Moy
  • James Dobson
    Clarence
  • Harold Sakata (small)
    Harold Sakata
    Karate Pete
  • Marcia Knight
    Helen
  • Vivian Lester
    Matt's Mother
  • William Kerwin (small)
    William Kerwin
    Soldier
  • Marcy Lafferty (small)
    Marcy Lafferty
    Hotel Clerk
  • Chad Walker
    Matt, as a Boy