Stars: Robert Redford, Faye Dunaway, Max Von Sydow, Clift Robertson
Plot. After his entire CIA "Section" is murdered, Redford tries to stay alive. And, because its the 1970's - the killers aren't KGB, they're with the CIA! Other main characters? Emotionally damaged "civilian" Faye Dunaway and slimy CIA bureaucrat Clift Robertson.
Analysis. Robert Redford was on a roll in 1975, not only did he star in the critically acclaimed All the President's Men, he teamed up with Sidney Pollack to produce this -still popular- film. Two hours long, its an above-average spy/political thriller, helped by all-star cast, and hurt by an overly talkative script and some extremely implausible characters and situations* . Redford goes from scooter-driving bookworm to James Bond in a flash**, while the professional assassins alternate between incredible brilliance and mind-numbing incompetence.
The film's "Morality" is questionable.
Paid killer Von Sydow is presented as such a super-nice guy and uber-professional - you'd let him baby-sit your kids, Meanwhile, CIA guy Robertson (trying to protect the USA) is profanely told off by Redford*** Not much acting is required but everyone does well enough. Dunaway and Redford are too low-key to generate much heat, but make a very attractive couple.
Best Scene: Redford fights a professional hit-man in Dunaway's Apartment.
Worst Scene: We spend 10 minutes seeing Redford going to work on a scooter, getting lunch and hobnobbing with his co-workers. Since all these people are killed immediately after, and that's disclosed in the trailer, why waste our time?
Notes
* - For example. Dunaway leaves a dead body in her apartment, falls in love with Redford 8 hours after he kidnaps her, and has no problem finding Robertson at massive (and Top secret) CIA HQ.
** - Redford is so good with a gun and his fists/wits, Von Sydow offers him a job as a professional assassin.
*** - Redford smugly tells Robertson that he's finished. Why? Because Redford's told the whole story to the New York Times, who (unlike the US Government) is completely trustworthy!
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