The Mechanic
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Movie Reviews of The Mechanic
Movie Review: "Nobody lives forever..."
Summary: 5 Stars
As one of the first reviewers wrote, "look beneath the surface-this is one deep film". I agree completely. I love this movie, but I think what's hurt it is that it's billed as an action movie when it really isn't. Whether that was the original intention or not, I don't know. Either way, what we get is actually a character study that is masterfully done. If you're looking for scene after scene of action, this is NOT the movie for you. Anyone that knows something about Charles Bronson probably has a pretty simplistic view of him: as the stone faced actor who was in A LOT of action movies, or, "that guy in 'Death Wish'". For those who've seen and 'get' this movie, we know Bronson actually was more than that. I saw 'Death Wish' again in 2003 or 2004, and I thought it was dull. The idea behind it was more interesting than the movie itself, particularly after repeated viewings and the passing of time. 'The Mechanic' is different. Bronson's natural quality of not giving anything away (on the outside) is perfect for the character of Arthur Bishop. One of the many things I like about this movie is how we see that, although he pretends that all the killing does not register on his conscience, it actually does. He faints at an aquarium, a scene very well done. Then, curiously, he throws away a prescription for anti-anxiety medication. He ignores the suggestion that he see a psychiatrist. After all, what would he say?--"Doc, I kill people for a living, and it doesn't sit well with something inside of me." One reviewer noted that he seems trapped in a fated spiral, once he takes on the apprentice. I can see something of that. But, also as the other reviewer noted, is he trapped or is he letting certain aspects 'ride' while having a contingency plan in case things with the apprentice don't work out? This is another great aspect of the movie-the friendship between Bronson and Vincent. There is a competitive quality to their relationship that alludes to the limits of their friendship. I (like the other reviewers) won't give away the ending, but it, along with the fantastic first 16 minutes of the movie, are the highlights (for me). I love Arthur Bishop's house too. As someone who is very solitary, I'd love to have that kind of space and privacy. Lastly, this movie DOES stay with you after it's over. I've seen it close to 100 times (no exaggeration!) since 1993, even taping the audio portion once when I had no TV or VCR/DVD player, only a stereo to keep me company. Forget 'Death Wish'-this is THE Charles Bronson movie to watch, again and again. Buy it, because even if you are only lukewarm on it at first, it'll grow on you--I promise.Movie Review: I live in my mind, and so should you...
Summary: 5 Stars
Wow. This is a quick moving, terse study of two men. One uses death as a means of survival, making his bread and butter by putting bodies in the gutter. His name is Charles Bronson. The other is a surf-boy psycho with a penchant for torture and morbid voyeurism. He is Jan Michael Vincent.
Bronson works for the mob, fixing the clinks and clanks in the organization's outfit. One day, Jan Michael catches on to Bronson's endeavors and entreats him to learn more. What ensues is a quasi-father/son relationship where they master the finer points of popping someone in the dome or blowing them up, instead of learning to bait a hook or throw a curveball. Then, our young apprentice develops his own ideas, as does the mob Charles works for...
Bronson is on point with his rock face and straight-to-the-point-manly-man dialogue. Jan is perfect as the inquisitive scamp wanting to learn the ins and outs of killing folks for a living (and enjoying it all the way). It has some surreal/absurd scenes, such as the dirty, hippy party and another where Bronson and Jan watch Jan's girl hemorrhage slowly after she dices her own wrists. The intrigue builds and leads you to a path where you think you might have an idea how it will all end. But this is Charlie Bronson, one of the toughest tough guys to ever get...tough. And he will get you. There is no escape. It is useless. All is futile. He won't repair your transmission but he'll fix you so that even your moms won't recognize you at your funeral....Bang. Game OVER!
Buy it. BUY IT. Then, watch it before some retard in Hollywood gets the idea to make a sub-par remake with Freddie Prinze Junior, Usher, Orlando Bloom, Fitty Centsless or some other nitwit...God, I hope Vin Diesel falls into a ravine full of perturbed, crotch-biting badgers...Long live Bronson.
Movie Review: The Best of Bronson
Summary: 5 Stars
The Mechanic is my Favorite Charles Bronson movie. The script, actors, direction, cinematography and feel is like nothing else Bronson or any others have done before or since. Arthur Bishop(Bronson) is a hit man. Methodical and efficient as well as 'it's simply a job' is pulled off very well. The Mechanic was done in the same time frame, early 70's when Bronson was (in my opinion) at the height of his career. Within a few years he did The Mechanic, Chato's Land, Death Wish(1st one), Breakheart Pass, and Red Sun. In the Mechanic Bronson 'helps' a close friend 'Big' Harry McKenna (Keenan Wynn) by taking on Steve McKenna (Jan-Michael Vincent) as sort of a 'father/teacher' figure. The young protege Steve knows and learns even more about being a hitman. As he works and learns with Bishop, you get the feeling that this kid is a natural for the job. He's a bit arrogant, self assured, calloused, and tough enough. The supporting cast and characters are well developed and believable without going 'overboard' in the action. There are several twists, turns, surprises thougout the movie that later you think.... hmmmm I should have thought of/seen that coming. One scene in the movie with Steve McKenna (Jan-Michael Vincent) his girlfriend Louise(Linda Ridgeway) and Bishop (Bronson) is a little difficult/disturbing to watch but it's one scene that is absolutely necessary to the essence of both Bishop and Steve's characters. I've watched the movie dozens of times and 6 or 8 specific scenes always come back to mind when I see other Hitman, action adventure, Character based movies. You don't really have to be a Bronson fan to watch this movie, because you will be a Bronson fan after you see it.Movie Review: Master Mechanic
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a movie that i always think of for it's use of what is not said rather than the other way around.
A glance or facial expression merit more than words.
Charles Bronson is in brilliant form,he assumes his part and lives it with an ease that can only be seen in the best actors.
Jan Michael-Vincent was an inspired choice as the rookie and eventual rival to Bronson's throne.
It is so sad to see how Jan Michael's career and his private life came off the rails so spectacularly within the Hollywood bubble(which for him was the problem as the booze and drugs were too easy to find.).
He had the looks,but their was a great deal of talent and ease about his manner when acting,he was indeed a sad loss to serious acting,he can still be seen in B movies,but honestly dont bother it is very unsettling.
One problem that will always haunt Charles Bronson and comes screaming to the front of their memories will be the Death Wish series which is even for a fan like myself drivel barring the first movie,it has to be hurdled before people are willing to give such fine pieces of Bronson's as this one a viewing,believe me i have tried persuading friends to give it a chance.
Buy this movie and the chances are you will be looking for more Bronson,and their is a great library to choose from.
As a final thought you will feel like a couch potato next to Mr Bronson's tough and well sculpted body,
most of us could live with that but when i realised his age in many of these movies,
i completely gave up any thoughts of hitting the gym and instead worked my hand into a new bag of potato chips(haha).
Ian.
Movie Review: A real cultmovie from the seventies
Summary: 5 Stars
Pay attention very careully. The essential dramatic line is very simple. Never trust in anyone; no matter what your intentions be; remeber two very close related films with this one; Donnie Brasco and Wall street.
The script turns around a smart paid assasin; his works are extremely clean and he makes those murderslook like simple accidents: the long opening sequence is wonderful , a silent depict without any introduction; the film is direct and deeply absorbimg.
Later he'll meet his next victim and wil befriendof the son of that one. Obviously he made a wrong choice; you know, in this business,and that choice will become the spark of his end.
The script flow runs organical; our mechanic has several nightmares; and also he suffers from insomnia. He makes his assignments as he was a chess player; the locations are superb; specially the last one in Naples.
Jan Michael Vincent worked out as a perfect balance to the mechanic: but warning; because you never must underestimate your enemy.
The ancestral myth of Icaro appears in this sense; too much proud; too much arrogance ; a briliant intelligence without a prudence dosis; a lion with fierce moods but without any sense of the rules of game. This fortune fate will reach you sooner or later.
You may enlist this title as another clever Film noir.
Bronson made a legendary film three years before titled The rain passenger from Rene Clement; and this movie made him growing up as a heavy weight character actor.
One of the most intimate triumphs of this unforgettable actor.
Buy this one!