Scorpio

The movie hasn't aged well, but it still lives with great performances by it's lead actors. The editing and pace feel a bit odd (or off) and it's not only, because it's a slow moving movie, but because some choices seem "wrong".

If you can overlook those "flaws", you can surely enjoy the movie. The story is pretty complicated though and you might feel a bit confused at the ending. But this confusion can be a good thing, too. And the more I think about the ending, the more I like it. While it could have a better set-up, it still delivers and gives the movie one final punch, that will leave you surely with some sort of taste in your mouth (as the saying goes). If you like spy movies, this is essential, otherwise be aware of it's flaws and downfalls.

A compelling title on one of the most compelling astrological signs and the movie is a 'tall order' to live up to, but brings it. The scenes go from scene to scene in a rapid pace to upkeep interest, maybe on a slight directorial ability to bring more out of the script which is good on the dialogue just could have a bit more action scenes , only because there is one main sequence for this about chasing down the main hero through a dilapidated/construction site. There are numerous assassinations though which are satisfying to checkout.. As for the dialogue it is nifty because of lots of spy talk , like mentioning 'get his posting' like getting his assassination gig job, or putting the 'net' on someone, boxing someone in, getting 'out' (exiting the assassin business), alluding cats not letting to go out because they could not survive since they are bred for debauchery like wh***s (?), wetowrk (?), wanting 'inside' (?), this does make a person know about spy stuff more, as they exchange these words in numerous offices, apartments, or even a bird sanctuary (!), and also rooms that look positively of a decor of yore (!) years, pretty elegant curtains, wooden surfaces. A discussion about Greek Gods clarifies the title, and one of the two main characters names who is a compelling person and I appreciate this bringing in mythology to this gritty raw spy thriller. One sequence went on too long involving two spies getting drunk in a living room, one being a Soviet and reminiscing of them being part of the 'old guard', which is cliche talk, other than that, there is some good sinister type music at parts, but not the construction/alley stuff which seems just *ok* but other music parts, piano type sounds. The two main characters Cross and Scorpio played by Lancaster and Delon are good. This is my first Delon movie, compelling intense guy. Lancaster is dope which I've noted from westerns.

In Paris, CIA operative Cross (Burt Lancaster) uses freelance assassin Jean 'Scorpio' Laurier (Alain Delon) to kill. It's their sixth or seventh assassination together. CIA don't usually do the killings themselves. They try to take out Cross within the Agency and fail. They do a deal with Scorpio to kill Cross. In Paris, Cross is given a safe house from his Soviet opposite Zharkov.

Cross and Scorpio need to be closer. There is a connection but a deeper emotional connection would make the chase more compelling. Scorpio can't be an outsider especially considering their conversation later in the movie. They talk like teacher and student. It doesn't really fit their relationship as described in the beginning. I still like their connection. It just needs some minor changes. On the other hand, Cross and Zharkov are almost perfect. They are both world-wearied warriors on their last legs. The movie does drag a bit too long after the explosive climax in Paris. Despite that scene, the movie could use a good action car chase in the city. It could use some more action and it needs to get to the ending faster. Overall, it has some interesting aspects of the genre but it's not one of the memorable ones.

I had seen this years ago and thankfully it was shown again on thisTV out of Indianapolis.

Although this film is a great spy thriller, it is much more about friendship. Deep friendship. Between enemies and old friends. Not the fleeting digital facebook friendship where facebook folks are friended are defriended with the ease of changing lipstick. But deep, 'no questions asked' friendship of life threatening assistance. Do you have any friends like that? I think not. This is more a human story of old loyalties not nameless rule book bureaucrats.

There is a very poignant scene in the music hall where Max and Cross are listening to Brahms talking about the favor that Cross needs. Earlier in a cafe, Cross tells Max he needs a favor, and Max says he will do it no matter what and has the weekend free. Max is a music instructor. In the music hall, Cross says the favor may be painful, he needs a message delivered to his wife and it will probably kick back to Max. Max doesn't care, because after WWII, Cross was the one who liberated Max from the camps, where "he couldn't listen to Brahms without crying". Now, after being liberated he can. He dies helping Cross. Who has friends like that?

Cross friendships go deep, from the hood in DC to a Soviet spy. In fact, those friendships transcend race and politics.

Scorpio predates Casino Royale in a great foot chase through a construction sight and it also has the intrigue of 3 Days of the Condor. It also predates the Bourne Identity series in that Cross is one step ahead of the CIA most of the time.

GREAT LINE:

SCORPIO: "I think you better try McLeods chair for fit, it is going to be empty soon". Said to 2nd highest CIA guy after learning that an agent of McLeod killed Cross's wife.

I liked Cross's coterie of old friends that he relies on for his escape through Europe and in the US. A great entertaining thriller and with Burt Lancaster, Alan Deloin and Max Schofield you will have a delightful time.

Whereas Ian Fleming and Robert Ludlum tended toward the super-hero approach to international espionage, John Le Carre preferred it's more-realistic side: the tawdry shadow-world of betrayal, futility, and the brutal exploitation of human weakness. It looks like screenwriters Daniel W. Rintels and Gerald Wilson and director Michael Winner took a page from the Le Carre playbook when crafting this 1973 thriller.

Scorpio ranks with The Spy Who Came In From The Cold and The Looking Glass War as one of the best espionage flicks ever made. Burt Lancaster displays subtle depth as a veteran CIA agent who might be turning to the other side. Alain Delon excels as the young French assassin tasked with the liquidation of his old friend and mentor. Paul Scofield, John Colicos, and a young James Sikking all turn in fine supporting performances.

Scorpio is a lesser-known yet very satisfying classic from the Anti-Hero/Anti-Establishment era of the 1970's.