Rating of
4/4
Great Character Study
DivineTragedy92 - wrote on 06/02/10
Directed by Wolfgang Peterson
Starring Clint Eastwood, John Malkovich, Rene Russo, Dylan McDermott, Gary Cole
Such an intelligent, captivating, and brilliantly crafted thriller this film is. In the Line of Fire is one of the most enthralling thrillers I have ever seen and a true masterpiece. This film is not just a mere political assassination film, it is a character study of a broken man lost in his own meaningless existence, and a sadistic man lost in his own dark world of brutality and anguish. This film is a classic, it's nothing short of spectacular.
Clint Eastwood portrays Frank Horrigan, a secret service agent who is haunted by his failure to protect president Kennedy. He is one of the few agents to ever lose a president. Several years later, Frank is a much older man who is once again confronted by a threat similair to the one that took Kennedy's life. A vicious former CIA assassin named Mitch Leary, who is perfectly portrayed by John Malkovich, is planning to assassinate the current president. Malkovich really digs deep into this character and brings him to life in a way that no other actor possibly could. He is one of the greatest actors of all time and he delivers some of his best work in this film. Mitch Leary is a dark character who is both psychotic and philosophical. I felt a variety of emotions while watching him on screen. I feared him but I also respected him, as morbid as that sounds. He is a character who is tired of the bleak, mundane existence of our world and wants to make his troubles known. He feels betrayed by his government and desires vengeance. Some of the things he said while talking to Eastwood were both frightening and admirable. He spoke the truth and wasn't afraid to let it be known. Rene Russo portrays agent Lilly Raines, who becomes a love interest to Eastwood. Dylan McDermott portrays Eastwood's young and naive partner. This film is directed by Wolfgang Petersen, who has plenty of fine achievements on his resume. This film is filled with exceptional acting and clever writing.
In the Line of Fire is a thriller that is truly incredible to watch. There is never a dull second in this film, it's entirely captivating from start to finish. Eastwood and Malkovich are flat out awesome in this masterful thriller. Malkovich is an actor who is truly versatile and intense. He delivers so much emotion and intensity in his work. He is amazing to watch. This film is a memorable experience and one of the greatest films ever made. In the Line of Fire is pure genius...
