Cueball_Col
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
LDRose
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.
Boba_Fett1138
This is a fairly dull typical '70's movie that tries to be more than it really is.Problem is that there isn't much interesting ever happening in this movie, with also an unnecessary and also far from believable love triangle story in it. Hard to imaging that George C. Scott and Trish Van Devere actually got married one year later, after this movie. The movie movie clearly lacks a good main plot line and gets mostly carried purely by George C. Scott's performance.In this movie George C. Scott once more shows his talent, by giving away one fine performance. But no matter how good he is in his role, he still feels miscast. Even though Scott was 'only' 44 at the time, he already looked far too old for his role, to consider him really believable. George C. Scott just wasn't an actor who aged really well. When he was 40 he already looked like he was 60 years old. The rest of the cast consists out of insignificant actors, who show why they never broke through as actors.At times the movie still is a typical '70's movie, with a good atmosphere and way of storytelling. Yet the movie doesn't always feel coherent, since its good at some times and completely dull and uninteresting to follow at others. It perhaps has to do with the fact that famed director John Huston walked from the movie after having heated arguments with George C. Scott over some script changes.Only a typical '70's car chase is good enough to grab your attention for a short while but the movie swiftly becomes less exciting and more dull after that again. The movie really could had used some more action and at least more speed at times.The movie tries hard to be in the same style as some old classic '40's but neither the script nor characters allow this movie to ever get close. The movie should had sticked more to its own style and time period.Really only worth watching because of George C. Scott.5/10http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/
Keith Williams (Keith-35)
Last Run tells the story of a retired get-away driver who come to think of retirement as slow death. And so takes one last job.He retired to Portugal, bought a house and a boat, to live happily ever after. But it doesn't work out that way. His 3 year old son died, his new wife left for another lover, he rented his boat to a real fisherman on realising he's a hopeless fisherman; he leads a lonely life.He takes a job nine years later to prove to himself that he's still capable, that he's not dead. He wishes more than ever to do the job well; and he does.This movie touches on the meaning of death and what it takes to be alive. Its a personal journey an sums up middle aged life.I particularly liked the use of the car. It was filmed beautifully with authentic sound and driving: no special effects, just an honest representation as the last love in his life. It was refreshing to see the driver fighting the live rear axle as he negotiated mountainous bends at speed. Now there's something missing from modern movies.
AD
