---
title: "Tattoo"
year: 1981
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/tattoo-1981"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 69169
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 103
community_rating: 5.0
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "R"
---

# Tattoo (1981) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/tattoo-1981

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Tattoo is a film first released in 1981. Catalogued under Thriller, Drama, Horror. Produced and broadcast by 20th Century Fox. Current status: Released.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A tattoo artist's obsession spirals into a dangerous fixation on a model."

### Why Watch
- Atmospheric tension builds throughout
- Strong lead performance by Bruce Dern
- Distinctive body‑painting visual style

### Caveats & Content Note
- The singular focus on obsession may limit narrative variety
- Tone & Suitability: Contains intense psychological obsession and graphic body‑painting imagery, intended for mature viewers.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: obsessive, eerie, suspenseful, grim

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/tattoo-1981#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Bob Brooks
- **Networks / Studios**: 20th Century Fox

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Bruce Dern** as *Karl Kinsky*
- **Maud Adams** as *Maddy*
- **Leonard Frey** as *Halsey*
- **Frederikke Borge** as *Sandra*
- **John Getz** as *Buddy*
- **Peter Iacangelo** as *Dubin*
- **Alan Leach** as *Customer*
- **Cynthia Nixon** as *Cindy*
- **Trish Doolan** as *Cheryl*
- **Anthony Mannino** as *George*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What genre does Tattoo belong to?
Tattoo is classified as a thriller, drama, and horror film.

### Q: When was Tattoo released?
Tattoo was released in the United States on October 9, 1981.

### Q: Who are the principal cast members?
The film stars Bruce Dern, Maud Adamsová, Leonard Frey, Rikke Borgeová, and John Getz.

### Q: What is the central premise of the story?
An unstable tattoo artist becomes obsessed with a model and seeks to permanently mark her.

### Q: How long is the film?
The runtime is approximately 1 hour and 43 minutes.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Tattoo — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/69169)
- [Tattoo (1981)](https://www.sms.cz/film/tattoo-1981)
- [Tattoo - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tattoo)
- [Tattoo (2001) | ČSFD.cz](https://www.csfd.cz/film/805158-tattoo/prehled/)
- [Tetovaný [The Tattoo] (1968): Komentáře a recenze | Kinobox.cz](https://www.kinobox.cz/film/20828-tetovany/komentare)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*