The Fixer

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.

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.

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.

Who's pulling the strings in our lives nowadays? Ever wonder about that?

Well, this movie reveals some of the methods used by the powerful to attain their goals.We are rarely privileged to witness what goes on behind the scenes of dirty deals. But this film takes you through an eye-opening ride that will make you think and reflect on what goes on in the world around us.

The lack of reviews suggest that this movie is one of those "rare" ones that have neither been widely circulated..... nor sufficiently advertised. And I wonder why? Is it perhaps it makes some powerful folks uncomfortable? Why does hardly anybody even remember seeing it even once? :Who knows?

You just might find the answer to these questions yourself...IF you watch this movie.