God Told Me To

It’s, um… creative

A detective in Manhattan (Tony Lo Bianco) is puzzled by a string of murders committed by unconnected people who, curiously, claim God told them to do it. Caught between his girlfriend (Deborah Raffin) and ex-wife (Sandy Dennis), he traces the crimes to a mysterious long-haired man (Richard Lynch).

Proficiently made by Larry Cohen, “God Told Me To” (1976) starts out like a brooding detective mystery/thriller with Clint Eastwood, but adds an eerie psychological/religious component and, finally, high concept sci-fi. It’s sort of a 70’s version of “Five Million Years to Earth” with the artsy pretentiousness of the soon-to-come “Wolfen.” “The Brood” is another good comparison, as is the 1978 version of “Invasion of the Body Snatchers.” Yet, it’s unique and so comparisons are difficult and unsatisfactory.

Critics complain that the story is outlandish and too confusing. Roger Ebert, for example, gave it 1/4 stars. However, if you keep a positive and open mind, it’s not too difficult to figure out upon reflection. Those who make the effort will want to see it again whereupon everything makes better sense.

The movie runs 1 hour, 31 minutes, and was shot in New York City and Pinewood Studios, which is just west of London.

GRADE: B