THE HIT (1984)

Directed By: Stephen Frears
Written By: Peter Prince
Cinematography By: Mike Molloy
Editor: Mick Audsley

Cast: John Hurt, Tim Roth, Terrence Stamp, Fernando Rey, Laura Del Sol, Bill Hunter, Jim Boradbent


I didn't expect much but was blown away by this film an unorthadox crime thriller. that is done as a existential drama. It involves a zen protagonist. Who seems above allthe evil characters and situations and has accepted his fate.

The camerawork here is done in a smooth subtle way, It is fluid and stylish without calling attention to itself. It enhances it's cinematic scope choosing original camera angles and shots. The film is very stylish. Sort of like a 80's MIAMI VICE the fashions without the excess. It's 80's style butnot the embarassing kind and it still holds up.

John Hurt is scary here as i've ever seen him. He plays the quiet professional hitman and Tim roth is amazing in one of his first roles with controlled cool one minute and gleeful menace the next. Not knowing what to do with his nervous energy. It was a hint of what was to come in future performances. As Hurt's assistant. He got the role through Joe Strummer turning it down because of touring with The Clash. He Suggested Tim off of seeing jim in the british TV Movie MADE IN BRITIAN. Terrence Stamp is a wonder as a doomed man who is surprisingly calm about his fate. The more calm and comfortable he becomes the more agitated and nervous he makes his abductors. Throw in a sexy buxom, vivacious spanish femme fatale and you have a adventure.

This is a hidden gem of a movie celebrated by critics that is never really brought up in conversations much. I had heard a little about this film from being on somany videohound lists. That i realized i really wanted to see it. Finally when Criterion Released it i got my chance. At first i only wanted to see the film because of it's cast. All this talent in one film that wasn't a big budget action movie or a superhero film. As i watched the film i grew more astonished as it went on. It very well deserves to be in with other great british crime films. Though it takes place in spain.

SPOILER
one of the surprises of the film is as it goeson John hurt grows to admire Terrence Stamp's character his acceptance of his fate. Which all comes crashing down towards the end. When he loses his cool and shows his cowardice that event seems to make John Hurt realize what he must do and seal his own fate.

SPOILER END

OVer thefilm John Hurt is the character we spend the most time with and slowly becomes the anti-hero character in the middle of the all the chaos.

This is a film where you don't know who to root for as there are no complete heroes or villians. Just people some good in them, some bad capable of both or anything. Like the movie you never know what is going to happen from one minute to the next. Which makes the film all the more exciting.

The only false moment i felt was when Terrence Stamp is attacked by Spanish Teenagers who he seems way too easily to defend himself against at first and then defeated when they only have one switchblade and he is a experienced criminal. Sure it sounds like it would be believable, But watching it's execution on screen i believe you will agree with me.

I can see why Criterion decided to release it. I think this is one of stephen frears Best films definately one of the few of his i really enjoyed. This film truly shows that he is best in getting good performances out of actors. Making them more believable as there characters. Here he also showcases a style i rarely see from him as much these days. I guess in hisyounger days he felt a need to impress, But as he has aged and gotten more experienced he felt the story and character were the most important aspect. Something a lot more modern filmmakers should take note of, Especially those who think it's the other way around (Michael Bay, Brett Ratner) other directors can master both, But that is why thye are legendary (Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick)

This is a must see. A definite addition to the home film library.

GRADE: A-