Is The Cloning of Clifford Swimmer Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1974)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Horror, Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller, TV Movie cinema, the 1974 release of The Cloning of Clifford Swimmer stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Clifford Swimmer, an angry and abusive man cruel to his wife and son, wants out if his marriage. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Horror, Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller, TV Movie are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Clifford Swimmer, an angry and abusive man cruel to his wife and son, wants out if his marriage. With the help of a scientist he clones a replacement who takes over as head of the family while the real Clifford travels the world. The clone turns out to be a gentle and sensitive husband and father, a complete opposite of the original, and the wife and son come to love him. When the real Clifford comes back and finds his family happy with the clone he becomes angry and jealous and things take a deadly turn."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. In The Cloning of Clifford Swimmer, we see Peter Haskell utilizing their established screen presence to carry the story forward. It is a solid, workmanlike performance that serves the director's vision without overshadowing the larger narrative goals.

The direction by Lela Swift is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 74 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is The Cloning of Clifford Swimmer truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Horror, Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller, TV Movie, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, The Cloning of Clifford Swimmer explores the dichotomy of fear and discovery. The 1974 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Lela Swift respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, The Cloning of Clifford Swimmer serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Peter Haskell or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Cloning of Clifford Swimmer is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.