Cast
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Michael Caine
as John Preston
Pierce Brosnan
as Valeri Petrofsky / James Edward Ross
Ned Beatty
as Borisov
Joanna Cassidy
as Irina Vassilievna
Julian Glover
as Brian Harcourt-Smith
Michael Gough
as Sir Bernard Hemmings
Ray McAnally
as General Karpov
Ian Richardson
as Sir Nigel Irvine
Anton Rodgers
as George Berenson
Caroline Blakiston
as Angela Berenson
Betsy Brantley
as Eileen McWirther
Matt Frewer
as Tom
Matthew Marsh
as Barry Banks
Ronald Pickup
as Wynne-Evans
Philip Jackson
as Burkinshaw
Crew
Director
- John Mackenzie
Producer
- Timothy Burrill
Reviews
CinemaSerf
There is something plausible abut Michael Caine's performance here. He ("Preston") is the antithesis of Sir Alec Guinness's "George Smiley" - a hard nosed, blunt spy catcher who hates toeing the line with his bosses. After a bit of clandestine activity, he is on his way out and is sidelined until a seemingly straightforward fatal accident gets his alarm bells ringing. Meantime, KGB agent "Petrofsky" (Pierce Brosnan) arrives in the UK and - eventually - takes up residence near an American Air Force base equipped with nuclear missiles. What's he up to and can "Preston" find out and thwart his dastardly plan? This is one of Frederick Forsyth's better stories. The plot is clear to the audience, but the two characters exist in isolation (from each other) for much of the drama as neither know of the other's existence! Despite being experienced and pretty well known, the supporting cast isn't the most effective - I struggled a bit with Ned Beatty's "Borisov"; but both Caine and Brosnan work well to build up a sense of menace as the nature of the mission becomes clear and director John Mackenzie develops a tightly constructed and well paced plot into a denouement that goes down to the wire. It's dated a little, and maybe serendipity plays a wee bit too much of a part at times, but it's still very much at the better end of those cold war stories and is still well worth a watch.
Feb 9, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Fourth Protocol distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director John Mackenzie 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 The Fourth Protocol took approximately 34 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $6.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 119 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 171 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 41 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1987, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Fourth Protocol shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Balearic Caper, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Fourth Protocol subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Telefon and Mosaic explore similar territory, The Fourth Protocol 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: March 20, 1987
- Runtime: 1h 59m
- Budget: $6,000,000
- Revenue: $12,423,831
