Der Macher - Im Sumpf der Korruption

A film has to be believable; this one is not. Voight is a good actor, and he has a decent supporting cast, but asking the viewer to believe a lifelong crook suddenly sees the light and wants to go straight seems to be a bit too much to ask for. In the real world, this doesn't happen; only in Hollywood. Don't bother.

Very unique story about a turnaround life in organized crime.... I would think it's hard to imagine such a possibility, but this is a very realistic film, without minimizing the costs, the hardness of what might be involved. A lot of art, creative camerawork and imagery for a television movie, too. Well-written and masterfully directed.

This film takes place in Chicago where a well-connected lawyer by the name of "Jack Killoran" (Jon Voight) has skillfully maneuvered himself to the height of power due to his ability to "fix" problems for a small group of people who control the levers of power within the city. Unfortunately, just when he is in the center of a major project one of his clients murders a prostitute and he is called upon to do something beyond which he has never done before-and this is when his problems really begin. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this was a surprisingly good made-for-television film which had a decent plot and some interesting twists and turns along the way. And although I am not a big fan of Jon Voight he performed quite well as did Brenda Baake (as his wife "C.J."). Admittedly, I would have preferred a bit more suspense but all things considered I enjoyed this film for the most part and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.

This is probably one of if not the best movie about one man fighting his inner demons to change himself. Jon voight gives a powerful performance as the fixer of the rich people's problems who has a change of heart. This movie will make you feel for jon the whole way through and never stop. The cast is great too besides him, everyone fits nicely in their role and are neither too over done or under done. Jon Voight is the only real shiner in this one but god does he shine. I can easily say that this is my favorite jon voight film and i've seen quite a few of his movies. I highly recommend this for anyone that wants a feel good movie with added in thrills and drama. I promise that you will like it as much as i did.

The story depicts a man who has manipulated and has been manipulated by political power figures who stop at nothing to execute their power plans. Corruption via payoffs to highly influential people in government and financial institutions as well as public agencies results in their getting their way.

Voight who is their 'fixer' is called on to bribe and coerce the opposing players on behalf of the scoundrels.

He has an experience upon pondering his life and how he is responsible for the continuation of corruption of systems and people. His father had trained him up well in the art of manipulation and now Voight has a change of character and morales. He confides in a bishop of the church who hears his confession and sees his desire to change his ways.

Things are not so easy when the corrupt officials refuse to let Voight get out of the loop. Voight now faces the reality of what his life-style has lead to and begins planning a way out.

The tension mounts as the bosses apply pressure to keep Voight in their fold. The fixer finally makes some irreversible decision that lead to tragic circumstances in his life. All of this is focused on his love for family and especially to regain the respect and love of his adolescent son. Great story line and acting by seasoned professionals.