The Last Run

Other viewers' comments, both negative and positive, have aptly classified this film's genre. Those with inclination toward existentialist thought (e.g., why are we here and what are the best options before embracing the void?) generally like it. I think the film great and wish it were available on DVD. Others find it vapid. Yet I think the theme similar to that found in Blade Runner or Pierrot le Fou - though different from, say, Kafka's Metamophosis, or The Trial, or from Camus' The Stranger, etc., in that this film's protagonist undergoes emotional development - along with another character who fears her fate and sees no other path to follow.

Our protagonist's past life as an underworld character is significant not in the cops-and-robbers sense, but rather as an earmark of his "loner" personality - like Camus' Stranger. He's a retired individualist - like Blade Runner's Deckard - who after a career on the "outside" is sucked against his will into a melee of action and intrigue. All he'd longed for was to finish out his days in peace - in Portugal - though one can wonder if his automotive hobby (his surrogate child) and petty daily ritual could really have sustained him - yet such is the trap some see themselves born into; perhaps an earlier, unexpected coup de grace isn't to be under-appreciated.

George C Scott plays Harry Garmes, a former getaway driver who comes out of retirement to prove to himself he hasn't lost his touch. He lives in a small Portugese fishing village, but he isn't fulfilled; he views retirement as preparation for death and goes behind the wheel again to inject some vitality into his existence. What promises to be a straightforward job, however, brings him unexpected challenges. The film boasts suspenseful car chases, impressive cinematography, a good script and a compelling performance from George C Scott as the cynical driver who gets more than he bargains for as he chauffeurs an escaped prisoner and his girlfriend across country. The film is thought-provoking, it deals with love, death, regret, frustration and determination, and coupled with tension and suspense makes it a memorable ride.

I caught this George C Scott vehicle on TCM last night and thought I'd venture forth with a few thoughts about it. The title pretty much covers the the central plot here, you've got George C Scott as an ex-getaway drive who has spent the last nine years trying his hand at retirement in a Portugese fishing village. The first 15 minutes of the film are very economic in the way they set up what is to come and lay out all the necessary background information on this character without it coming over as clunky exposition. His house betrays a life spent not always in solitude, and a visit to a grave tells of a previous tragedy. A post coital conversation with a local hooker allows Scott to demonstrate his intelligence, charm and dissatisfaction with his current lot that has led him to accept this 'one last job'.

The job in question is to ferry to France an escaped convict (Tony Musante) and his girlfriend (Trish Van Devere, later to become Mrs Scott in real life). Cinematic convention tells us that we're not going to be in for a smooth ride. Prior to leaving for the job Scott's character all but tells us that he doesn't expect to come back and wouldn't be altogether fussed if that were the case. It's the last hurrah of a forgotten man, the battle cry of a warrior finding his voice again. Apart from some well shot and staged chase sequences that show the skill of our protagonist, Scott is the main reason to be watching this (see the first look of joy on his face in the entire film as he gets back to doing what he does best). He's a man of integrity and pride but also the ultimate weakness of compassion and love that at once reignites his passion for life whilst putting it in danger.

I wouldn't be altogether surprised if the makers of The Transporter expressed a fondness for this film, as it certainly shares certain baser elements with the later Statham-starrer, but is certainly less one dimensional. As far as performances go this is the Scott show and his supporting act is unfortunately rather less than stellar. I'd recommend it, especially for Scott fans and those that enjoy a good car chase that doesn't feel the need to flip upside down underneath a crane. 7/10

The Last Run was originally a John Huston project, but in the end it was taken up and completed by maverick director Richard Fleischer. Often, a change of personnel affects the film, but in this case, Fleischer has fashioned a decent thriller with picturesque locations and a tight plot.

It's all about a getaway driver from Chicago who has settled down to a peaceful life in a Portugese fishing village. He is hired to drive a gangster and his girlfriend to the French border, under total assurance that the job is strictly routine. However, it turns out that the whole thing is a set-up, and that the gangster is the target of some killers. Getaway driver, gangster, and gangster's girlfriend all flee back to Portugal, pursued by their enemies.

The characters are quite cold and cynical and don't appeal to the audience a great deal. This hurts the film, because it's awfully hard to care a damn about what happens to them. The film also suffers from a typically downbeat ending (as, indeed, many films from this era do). However, it has exciting moments and is always pleasing to the eye. The chase plot is gripping throughout and really helps to compensate for some of the not-so-good aspects.

Well made dramatic thriller about an ex-driver for the mob, now retired and living on a beach with nothing else to do, and nothing else he knows how to do. When he's called upon after nine years to perform a job he takes it, simply to see if he can still do it. Scott is the best reason to watch this other-wise standard chase film; As the aging driver who's lost everything and has nothing to do but die, he is masterful. This is one of his finest (and most under-rated) performances. An engaging film with some intense moments of action and a great existentialist feel to it. Doesn't quite hit it's mark at times, but worth-while for Scott. Good photography.

*** out of ****