That was a scary movie, but I think the remake with Robert DeNiro was even scarier!
(I have both on VHS)
In DeNiro’s early films, i.e. Raging Bull, or Taxi, nobody played Psychotic Street Scum Dope Addict better than Bobby DeNiro. He had it all down pat, the menacing stares, the walking on eggshells delivery of lines, and body language as well. A true method actor. Meryl Streep is close to that now, although her roles are also getting less consequential, as is the way of life, make room for the new young faces, not as well known as you now are.
It’s understandable that as DeNiro got older, he accepted many lightweight comedy roles. One can support the weight of that much tension for only so long, then, you have to take a break, relax and allow yourself to smile once in a great while.