A businessman blackmails his young secretary into spending a weekend with him.
Hoffman centers on the unsettling relationship between Benjamin Hoffman (played by Peter Sellers), a manipulative middle-aged man, and Janet Smith (Sinéad Cusack), his young secretary. The story begins with Janet reluctantly agreeing to spend a week with Hoffman at his flat after he threatens to reveal a secret about her fiancé. Over the course of this week, the film explores Hoffman’s peculiar blend of charm and cruelty as he oscillates between predatory behavior and genuine vulnerability, making for a tense and morally complex narrative.
The confined setting of Hoffman’s apartment serves as the stage for the unfolding psychological interplay. Hoffman’s obsession with Janet exposes his self-loathing and misogyny, while Janet’s reactions reveal her struggle between fear and sympathy. The movie offers no easy resolutions, leaving the viewer to grapple with the ambiguous dynamics of power, manipulation, and human frailty.
Peter Sellers’ performance as Hoffman is central to the film’s impact. Known primarily for his comedic roles, Sellers delivers a rare dramatic portrayal that is both captivating and unsettling. He masterfully conveys Hoffman’s inner emptiness and bitterness, offering a glimpse into the darker facets of human desire and loneliness.
Sinéad Cusack’s portrayal of Janet complements Sellers’ intensity, bringing vulnerability and strength to a character trapped in an uncomfortable situation. The film’s minimalistic approach, focusing primarily on the dialogue-driven interactions between the two leads, enhances its psychological depth. Director Alvin Rakoff skillfully uses this confined dynamic to sustain tension and provoke introspection.
The movie’s source material, Ernest Gebler’s novel Shall I Eat You Now?, provides a layered exploration of obsession and control. The screenplay retains much of the novel’s psychological complexity, though some critics have noted that the pacing occasionally falters, with certain scenes feeling overly drawn out.
Watching Hoffman is likely to leave you feeling a mix of discomfort and contemplation. The film’s exploration of power imbalances and moral ambiguity forces the viewer to confront uncomfortable truths about human behavior. You might feel sympathy for Hoffman’s loneliness yet be repelled by his actions. Similarly, Janet’s strength and vulnerability could inspire admiration and concern in equal measure.
Ultimately, Hoffman is a thought-provoking experience that lingers in the mind, inviting deeper reflection on its themes and the complexities of its characters.
