WOW! Wow is all I can say. Those who know me know that I love going to a little art house in West Hollywood called The New Beverly Cinema. I came across this place many years ago after moving to Los Angeles and the people who run it really have screened some real fun gems in the past.Last night I had the great fortune to see a Charles Bronson double feature. The first was a film called The Mechanic (1972) and the second was called Mr. Majestyk (1974). Both these films are available on Netflix and DVD but If you're lucky enough to see them on the big screen then run to the theater and support whoever is screening them.
The Mechanic shows Bronson as a well trained assassin setting up his most recent hit. In what probably is the films opening 20 minutes, it meticulously sets the mood and you get a clear understanding of what this film is about. Keenan Wynn is Bronson's go between, until a hit is ordered on him. Bronson is reconnected with Wynn's son, played by pre-motocycle-accident-sexy Jan Michael Vincent, who inevitably becomes Bronson's protege. All is good until Bronson discovers a hit is ordered on himself.
Although this has many wonderful WTF moments, it still manages to entertain. Bronson has a few limits when it comes to lengthy dialogue and for a good reason; he doesn't need dialogue. Is it just me or did I also sense a unusual homoerotic energy between Bronson and Vincent? None the less other WTF moments include; a visit to Bronson's girlfriend's apartment (later we find out she's his hooker), a wacky group of Vincent's friend partying in his deceased father's house, a visit to Vincent's girlfriend's place (which includes the two helping her commit suicide), a wacky car chase in California complete with affluent party goers falling into a swimming pool, and a car chase through Italy: the last includes possibly one of the longest car-going-over-a-cliff sequences I've ever seen - so long that the moviegoers in the theater erupted in unanimous applause at it's completion! (Trailer) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9QekeOkSi8
As far as Mr. Majestyk, ... also highly entertaining. When Bronson is arrested for defending his land, a watermelon plantation he creates an enemy out of a fellow inmate/ hit man. The two proceed to be the only two surviving members of a prison break and Bronson takes over as he kidnaps the hit man. For the rest of the movie it's all about the hit man and his goons seeking revenge. A great little WTF moment in this flick was Bronson's never ending dedication just to "get back to his melons."
Trailer:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJcXWrtODzM
Here's a couple links to IMDB if you'd like to learn more about the films! Get out there and see these two Charles Bronson films. Some believe they're his best two films produced.
The Mechanic: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068931/
Mr. Majestyk : http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071866/
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