The Tenant

The female version of Roman Polanski is excellent in front of the camera, but the masculine alter ego behind the camera is so bland this time. Unlike Repulsion, it fails to evoke a disturbingly hypnotic atmosphere, so it's just boring for most of its running time. (12/29/2012)

The Tenant is a psychological thriller from Roman Polanski, which means it’s as effective as traditional American thrillers, but without their proven formulas. It’s refreshing to once in a while see a film in which the creator achieves the same effect in such a unique, personal way. This is called filmmaking art. And this art is made even greater by the fact that this creator is both behind and in front of the camera. (08/13/2009)

It's admirable how simple Polanski's means are to create a perfectly mysterious and at times truly horrific atmosphere. Moreover, he plays a nice trick on the viewer, because it is through that atmosphere and his directorial approach that he constantly makes us believe what is happening to the main character. It's quite clear that it's paranoia, but you still get that uncomfortable inner feeling.))) An insightful, psychologically well-executed thriller, in which Polanski, in addition to directing, also played the lead role (both very well). (10/06/2010)

Roman Polanski proves that he doesn’t only know how to direct very well, but that he can also carry a film on his shoulders with his acting prowess. The Tenant is a perfect example of a psychological thriller with horror elements, and with a truly fantastic paranoid atmosphere. I won’t say that I couldn’t breathe because of the fear, but I certainly wasn’t bored. 85% (06/30/2008)

I would say that this is a somewhat overrated film. The concept is good, especially in the first half, where the director unfolds a game full of disturbing hints and doesn't push too hard, it has a decent atmosphere, and in some moments it is even comically entertaining, although it is primarily a psychothriller with a horror atmosphere. Unfortunately, in the second half, the script unfolds way too wild of a performance around the psychosis of the main character and his gradual mental breakdown. The problem is also that Polanski as an actor is far from the qualities of Polanski as a director, so it is true that films where Polanski cast himself in the lead role are noticeably weaker. A charismatic actor like Jack Nicholson should have been cast in the part where the film escalates and shows the paranoia of its protagonist. Polanski succeeds in the first half, where he only needs to show his shy face, but he fails in the parts where he meant to unfold a wide range of emotions. Overall impression: 55%. (05/15/2009)