Le Canardeur

This film has a few weak spots in the script, but I sure like it. A heist movie, with a mean Kennedy in it. Jeff and Clent never made another movie, and they could be like Redford and Newman; they have movie chemistry. TBS edits this film too much, its recomended watching on video. Worth renting 7/10.

Michael Cimino's first film is an arresting fusion of early 70's road movie, 'Buddy' picture and 'planning a heist' action-thriller. That it manages to incorporate these elements into a poetic study of male friendship and the unquenchable restlessness at the heart of the great American pioneer/drifter mentality makes it a remarkable piece of work.

Cimino avoids the 'arty' distance of Terence Malick's 'Badlands' or the po-faced existentialism of Monte Hellman's 'Two Lane Black-top', but entertains the same thematic concerns within the framework of an accessible genre piece. From it's opening vista of a deserted wheat field, accompanied by the haunting strains of a single acoustic guitar, the film resonates with loneliness and loss. "Tell me where, Where does a fool go", sings Paul Williams, "when there's no-one left to listen, to a story without meaning, that no-body wants to hear?"

It is also funny and tender in it's observation of male camaraderie. Eastwood has never been more effective and affecting on-screen than in his interplay here with Jeff Bridges. We get a real sense of his character's connection to Bridges which makes the 'Midnight Cowboy'-ish ending genuinely moving.

Like all the great 70's movies, it has some wonderfully memorable scenes and dialogue: Dub Taylor ranting about the imminent collapse of the American economy at a nocturnal gas station; Bill Mckinney as a crazed speed-freak with a trunk full of white rabbits; Bridges encountering a hammer-wielding female motorcyclist, etc, etc.

Throw in some breath-taking scenic photography of Montana by Frank Stanley (prefiguring the use and role of landscape in relation to character later explored by Cimino in 'The Deer Hunter') and some beautifully understated character work in the smaller roles, and you have a fondly remembered minor classic ripe for some serious re-appraisal.

This was Cimino's preparation to great epic and Oscarized "Deer Hunter" . Here Eastwood is a thief called Thunderbolt , he is on the run from his previous partners : George Kennedy, Geoffrey Lewis . Thunderbolt then joins joins up with a drifter nicknamed Lightfoot : Jeff Bridges . As Thunderbolt attempts to carry out a last job . Later on, Thunderbolt is captured by his former colleagues but he arranges to convince them he does not know where the money is from a prior hold-up . Lightfoot : Jeff Bridges, manages to convince them they should plan the same heist and rob the same government vault. Thunderbolt ..the man with the reputation. Lightfoot ...the kid who's about to make one ¡ . He has exactly seven minutes to get rich quick !

An amusing and fun film with likeable result and full of noisy action , pursuits , shootouts , car chases , humor , and a spectacular heist . Having written the script Cimino was given opportunity to direct it thanks to Clint Eastwood for whom he had formerly collaborated with John Milius in "Magnum Force" . All around give fine performances from Clint Eastwood as the expert robber believes he's made off with the loot from his last job and exceptional James Bridges as the good-natured colleague , as he steals the show by striking most of the sparks , being notable his scenes dressed in drag . Although Eastwood and Bridges are the central roles, here also appears George Kennedy and Geoffrey Lewis who fill their characters impressively , collectively overshadowing the stars , at times. As Clint Eastwod and Jeff Bridges are well accompanied by a top-notch support cast , such as : George Kennedy, Geoffrey Lewis , Roy Jenson, Bill McKinney , Dub Taylor , Vic Tayback , Gregory Walcott ,Catherine Bach and Gary Busey .

It contains colorful and adequate cinematography by Frank Stanley. As well as thrilling and atmospheric musical score by Dee Barton. The motion picture was well directed by Michael Cimino. This filmmaker wa a good craftsman who made few but very nice films with successes and flops, such as : Heaven's Gate , Year of the Dragon, The Sicilian , Desperate Hours , The Sunchaser and , of course , his biggest hit : The Deer Hunter . Rating : 7/10 . The flick will appeal to Clint Eastwood and Jeff Bridges fans .

Like a tribute to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Thunderbolt and Lightfoot were a contemporary edition of the duo.

Thunderbolt (Clint Eastwood) met Lightfoot (Jeff Bridges) quite serendipitously. Thunderbolt was running from his would-be killer only to be saved by the fast driving Lightfoot. Their fortuitous meeting started a friendship between the two that was like journeyman and apprentice for thieves.

The young Jeff Bridges stole every scene he was in. He had the boyish young looks and the bubbly personality to go with them. Eastwood was... well he was Eastwood. You don't get much range from him. He's stoic, few-worded, and gruff. I think Eastwood is at his best when there's another star there for contrast. This crime and friendship story had some funny moments, intense moments, and even somber moments. The story and acting were great. This was a quality film.

I really liked this movie. Cimino keeps the story simple, funny and pretty involving: A young hotshot (Bridges) inspires a has-been bank robber (Eastwood) to take another crack at the bank which nearly brought him down the last time he hit it, and along the way they are both sabotaged and helped by Eastwood's former buddies (Kennedy and Lewis).

In my humble opinion, Jeff Bridges is ace as "Lightfoot" in this movie. There simply would be no movie without him, or, well, it might, but it would've been boring as hell. Eastwood plays Eastwood, maybe a bit softer around the edges than Harry Callahan, and does his part well. Still, he is kind of drowned by Bridges, Kennedy and Lewis. They do other stuff besides just being tough and professional, and God bless the script and them for it. Bridges is so incredibly good in this, he jumps around, he tries to wind up Kennedy and tries to lure some enthusiasm out of Eastwood; I can not imagine anyone else but Bridges as Lightfoot. He steals the movie away (he's also does some drag-stuff here, classic). The scenes with the lady in the house, the tussles with Kennedy, the brunette and her friend, the lady on a bike with a hammer. You have a lot to look forward to here.

Cimino's picture is about a criminal who is tired and who just wants to take it easy, but a young dude, full of romantic ideas, tempts him back into the game. Along the way, the violence and mayhem that made Eastwood leave it all back then catches up with them and they have to fight for their lives.

The movie is a must-see for fans of Eastwood, Cimino, Kennedy and Lewis - but it belongs to Jeff Bridges.