Le flingueur

Another classic Bronson movie and not to be missed. This time Charles is Arthur Bishop, a merciless, unfeeling, uncaring and strictly by the book assassin who is the standard by which all other professional killers are measured. Meticulous to a fault and as calculatingly efficient as can be, Bishop systematically completes his missions and returns to his mansion each night. Soon after eliminating one of his old friends, he becomes attached to the dead man's young and impertinent son Steve (John Michael Vincent), which quickly progresses from friendship to business relationship. Bishop agrees to mentor Steve in the tricks of the trade as an "associate" and after working with him he is free to do as he pleases. However, Bishop quickly discovers that is apt pupil is more nefarious than he appears as Steve has already accepted a contract on Bishop's life. But what Arthur doesn't realize yet is "the organization" to which Bishop belongs now wants him eliminated and will stop at nothing to achieve this goal. Bishop has broken a rule in taking Steve under his wing without first getting approval of "The Man" and is therefore marked for death. This film is filled with action, intrigue, and of course suspense as you continue to wonder the whole time which "mechanic" is gonna get his car fixed first. The ending is quite unpredictable for a 70's Bronson movie but enjoyable to the last second. Also features a cameo by Bronson's late wife Jill Ireland. One of Charles Bronson's better accomplishments on the silver screen I sure was impressed.

15. THE MECHANIC (action, 1972) Arthur Bishop (Charles Bronson) is the mechanic, a hit man hired by the Organization as an assassin. Bishop's contact to the Organization is Harry, a long time confidant of his late father. Bishop is meticulous in his work. He is without feelings or remorse, the consummate professional. Bishop's next target is Harry. He carries the job through without hesitation. Harry's son Steve (Jan-Michael Vincent) lives the life of a dilettante playboy. He suspects Bishop's involvement in his father's death, and tries to find out what his ties to the Organization truly are.

Critique: As far as spy and espionage films go 'The Mechanic' is one of the best. Not only for those Charles Bronson aficionados (like myself), but for lovers of well-made action films. Michael Winner's clever direction adds a sparkle to the genre. He sets up interesting insights into an assassin's mode of work.

A cut above Death Wish (1974- Bronson's best known film), in both content and script, Bronson's performance is the epitome of cool. He's perfect at playing a character that has been totally detached from the outside world, and a man trapped in a world he can only have created. In the same way that Steve McQueen used his laconic presence to great effect, Winner makes full use of Bronson's craggy features.

QUOTE: Bishop: "Murder is killing without a license. Everybody kills."

Effective thriller stars Bronson as Arthur Bishop who teaches a younger assassin named Steve McKenna (Jan-Michael Vincent) the tricks of the trade. The Mechanic emerges at break-neck pace but once it gets started it becomes an engrossingly savage thriller. Also watch for the twist ending.

They sure don't make them like this anymore: smart, realistic, tough and fascinating. Charles Bronson is in top form here, he plays a hit man with creative and untraceable way methods of killing, he is like a "death doctor" and when he "fix something, it never works again". But things aren't so good for him lately, he suffers from anxiety and collapses in one memorable scene. He then decides to take under his wing the young Steve Mackenna (Jan Michael Vincent in one of his better roles) and teach his the skills of the trade. Director Michael Winner put together a piece of classic cinema with everything seems to work perfectly. The cinematography is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen, especially the final scenes located in Italy. It's a shame that this film is almost unknown to the young generation and is way underrated here. The twisted ending certainly lifts up the already high level of the film. Highly recommended 10/10.

This is the original version of "The Mechanic" and I have not seen the remake....mostly because I am not a big fan of remakes. I do know the remake has a different ending

The film follows the exploits of Arthur Bishop (Charles Bronson), a hired killer or 'mechanic'. Much of the film just shows the complex way that Bishop plans and executes the killings...as if his actions as works of art. And, in most cases he wants to make these deaths look like accidents. But this very cold and calculating killer lets his guard down a bit when he takes a young apprentice under his wing. Steven McKenna (Jan-Michael Vincent) is actually the son of one of Bishop's contracts...and like Bishop, Steven seems to have little conscience or remorse. To see where all this is headed, see the film.

Considering the plot, it isn't very surprising that is a violent action film. However, the violence wasn't generally gratuitous and the plot quite exciting. Not Bronson's best, but among his best...though I am pretty sure many will hate the downbeat ending. I actually thought the ending was great.