The serene beauty of Amsterdam's canals has lured tourists for centuries. Gondolas drift, houseboats bob gently, lights twinkle on the water at night. But in 1988, director Dick Maas shattered that picturesque illusion, plunging us into the murky depths where a predator lurked. Amsterdamned doesn't just use the city as a backdrop; it weaponizes its iconic waterways, transforming them into corridors of dread where death can surface at any moment. Forget shady alleyways; the real danger here lies beneath your feet, in the cold, dark water.
Beneath the Bridges, A Watery Grave
The premise is chillingly effective: a brutal serial killer, clad in scuba gear and armed with a wickedly large knife, is using the intricate network of canals to commit savage murders and vanish without a trace. Bodies turn up in gruesome ways – one memorably discovered dangling from a bridge by a packed tourist boat, a scene that perfectly encapsulates the film's blend of shock and dark irony. Tasked with stopping this aquatic menace is Detective Eric Visser, played with a wonderfully weary charisma by Huub Stapel, whom Maas had previously directed in the claustrophobic killer-elevator flick De Lift (1983). Visser is our grounded anchor in a city gripped by panic – chain-smoking, driving a beat-up Citroën, and navigating departmental politics as the body count rises.
Maas Appeal: Dutch Dread and Dark Laughs
Dick Maas has a distinctive flavour, doesn't he? His films often walk a tightrope between genuine suspense, startling violence, and a peculiar, almost deadpan sense of humour. Amsterdamned is arguably his most accomplished blend of these elements. He understands pacing, building tension through unsettling underwater POV shots that put us right behind the killer's mask, experiencing the muffled silence and distorted views beneath the surface. The kills themselves are often sudden and brutal, utilizing practical effects that, while perhaps showing their age slightly now, felt visceral and disturbingly real on grainy VHS back in the day. Remember the sheer shock of that first kill under the bridge? It hits like a cold wave. Maas, who also wrote the screenplay and, under a pseudonym (Joseph Coolidge), composed the pulsing electronic score, clearly had a singular vision for this waterlogged nightmare.
That Chase Scene Though...
You can't talk about Amsterdamned without talking about that speedboat chase. Forget Bullitt or The French Connection for a moment; this is high-octane pursuit confined to the narrow, bridge-laden canals of a major European city. It’s utterly bonkers and absolutely spectacular. Visser, commandeering a powerful speedboat, pursues the killer (also in a boat) in a sequence that remains breathtakingly audacious. Behind the scenes, this wasn't just movie magic; it was a logistical feat. Securing permission to race high-speed boats through central Amsterdam was a challenge in itself. The stunt work, performed by seasoned professionals like legendary Dutch stunt coordinator Dickey Beer, is incredible, involving near misses, jumps, and navigating incredibly tight spaces. It reportedly chewed through a significant portion of the film's substantial (for the Netherlands at the time) ƒ12 million guilder budget – roughly €5.5 million, or around €12 million / $13 million adjusted for inflation today – and allegedly caused some minor damage along the canals. But wasn't it worth it? It’s a sequence that burns itself into your memory, a standout moment in 80s action cinema, period.
Canal Culture and Creepy Atmosphere
Beyond the shocks and the chase, the film effectively uses its location. The constant presence of water creates a unique atmosphere of vulnerability. Characters are attacked while swimming, relaxing on boats, even working near the water's edge. Maas contrasts the everyday life of the city – the bustling markets, the cafes, the tourists – with the hidden threat moving silently beneath. Monique van de Ven adds a touch of intrigue and potential romance as Laura, a museum guide Visser encounters during his investigation, though the procedural plot remains firmly focused on the hunt. The supporting cast, including Serge-Henri Valcke as Visser's partner Vermeer, adds to the authentic Dutch feel. It's fascinating how Maas managed to get such unprecedented access to film in typically restricted areas of Amsterdam, adding immeasurably to the film's scale and realism.
The Verdict
Amsterdamned is a prime slice of Euro-cult goodness, a film that confidently blends slasher tropes, police procedural elements, and spectacular action within a unique and atmospheric setting. Huub Stapel is a perfectly rugged lead, the killer is memorable, and Dick Maas directs with flair and a welcome dose of dark humour. The practical effects deliver the necessary jolts, and that speedboat chase remains an all-timer. Sure, some dialogue might feel a bit clipped, and the mystery element isn't perhaps its strongest suit, but the sheer bravado and entertainment value are undeniable. It’s the kind of film that made browsing the thriller section at the video store so exciting – a distinctive cover promising something different, something thrillingly European, something drenched in canal water and dread.
Rating: 8/10
Final Thought: More than just a Dutch Jaws, Amsterdamned is a uniquely thrilling ride that uses its iconic setting to maximum effect, leaving you with a lingering sense of unease next time you see a tranquil canal... and maybe an urge to rewatch that incredible boat chase one more time. It remains a high watermark for action-horror from the Netherlands.