Cast
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Charles Bronson
as Jay Killion
Jill Ireland
as Lara Royce Craig
Stephen Elliott
as Fitzroy
Jan Gan Boyd
as Charlotte Chong
James Staley
as Briggs
Frank Zagarino
as Secret Service Driver
Randy Brooks
as Tyler Loudermilk
James Lemp
as Eddie Bracken (as Erik Stern)
Michael Ansara
as Sen. Bunsen
Kathryn Leigh Scott
as Polly Sims
James Acheson
as Osborne Weems
Jim McMullan
as The Zipper
Robert Axelrod
as Finney
Arthur Hansel
as Barstow
Peter Lupus
as TV Announcer
Crew
Director
- Peter R. Hunt
Writer
- Richard Sale
Producer
- Pancho Kohner
Reviews
tmdb27219454
The people that put this film together really had no clue on how the Secret Service operates. Whether this was done on purpose to mislead anyone with less than honorable notions or out of Hollywood Ignorance, it really doesn't matter. The thought that a Protectee would be allowed to override Secret Service Policy is absurd and their continued blatant interference with the protective doctrine would not only be terminated at the first episode, but would also result in the Protectee being only kept in secure locations without venturing out into the public eye. The Protectee would not be allowed to be used as bait to trap a suspect, nor would they be allowed to trek across the country vagabond-style in hopes of outrunning their tail. The action scenes were laughable and the shooting was atrocious. If ANY agent or terrorist were to miss their target with as many shots as these characters did, they would have been fired or retired well before they reached their current status. Definitely NOT one of Bronson's best.
Aug 3, 2019
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Assassination distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Peter R. Hunt 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 1987, 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 Assassination took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $5.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 117 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1987, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Assassination shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Piano Player, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Assassination subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like In the Line of Fire and Smokin' Aces explore similar territory, Assassination stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 9, 1987
- Runtime: 1h 28m
- Budget: $5,000,000
- Revenue: $6,075,793
Where to Watch
