Cast
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Robert Forster
as Eddie Marino
Fred Williamson
as Nick
Richard Bright
as Burke
Rutanya Alda
as Vickie Marino
Don Blakely
as Prago
Joseph Carberry
as Ramon
Willie Colón
as Rico
Joe Spinell
as Eisenberg
Carol Lynley
as Assistant D.A. Mary Fletcher
Woody Strode
as Rake
Vincent Beck
as Judge Sinclair
Bo Rucker
as Horace
Frank Pesce
as Blueboy
Steve James
as Ptl. Gibbons
Randy Jurgensen
as Det. Russo
Crew
Director
- William Lustig
Writer
- Richard Vetere
Producer
- Andrew W. Garroni
- William Lustig
Reviews
JPV852
Not a great revenge thriller but does feature two wonderful performances from Robert Forster and Fred Williamson. Some okay action in the third act though just when it felt like the revenge portion was just going into high gear, the movie seemed to abruptly end. Doesn't really match up with Death Wish but still a decent entry into the genre. **3.25/5**
Dec 21, 2020
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Crime/Action/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Vigilante distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director William Lustig brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1982, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Vigilante took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 122 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1982, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Vigilante shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike When the Bullet Hits the Bone, which focuses more on action than character development, Vigilante offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Straw Dogs and Double Indemnity explore similar territory, Vigilante stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 18, 1982
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Revenue: $5,091,888
Where to Watch
