When I think of The Twilight Zone, I always think of a handful of episodes that quickly come to mind as great examples of what made that one of the greatest television shows of all time. No discussion of those memorable shows would be intact without "Eye of the Beholder." Most of us already know the premise of what seems real ultimately being unreal and opposite - a trademark of Rod Serling's genius and the show's spirit. I love watching how this show was framed and lighted - the shadows are perfect, yet we are given subtle clues to watch that lead to the eventual conclusion. The real genius is that most of us never imagined going in that direction in the first place - which makes this episode all the more powerful. Director Douglas Heyes works the camera well creating subterfuge with his lens and menacing shadows throughout. We also get this super clean environment with which to see the story of Janet Tyler unfold before us. Maxine Stuart plays the wrapped patient looking for success this time around so as to fit in. When unwrapped, we have gorgeous Donna Douglas as the patient. What we get in between is a thought-provoking look at many of the values and preconceived notions we have as human beings. Serling's short but profound script makes us think about the natures of beauty, conformity, individuality, loneliness, and social ostracization. He is always looking past the superficial qualities to see what makes us tick, and it is for that that I am most grateful.
Review of Eye of the Beholder
