Man of Violence

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source: Man of Violence

Man of Violence

90% of this film consists of people standing around talking, a lot of it shot outdoors in such darkness that you can't see much of anything. In fact, the most interesting thing on the videotape I rented was a trailer (at the end) for a film called "Surabaya Conspiracy" that doesn't seem to exist, according to the IMDB. Too bad this one hadn't faded into similar obscurity. It would have saved me $2.10.

A film unfortunately of the same quality as Walker's earlier THE BIG SWITCH. The budget is slightly bigger this time around but sadly Walker blows it by making it 40 minutes longer for some reason and that's 40 minutes of dull dialogue which hardly makes for a good movie. There's the usual double crossing between gangster types and a few moments of violence, but the hero's a dweeb and the pace seriously flags. This is most notable for featuring the lovely Luan Peters in support.

As a slice of borderline-sleazy gangsterism, this isn't bad - but for me it was let down on a number of fronts which prevent it being a rewatch candidate, I think. Firstly, I'm not really sure that Latimer had enough personality for the lead role... he's OK but not great, and, without the others around him (Luan Peters especially) it would have been quite weak on the acting front. The script also got rather confusing towards the end and (in the BFI Player version) retains some casually racist language that has dated much more than many other aspects. The score was also all over the place tonally... signalling "suspense!", "action!!" and - most bizarrely - "romantic interlude!!!" as if we couldn't see what was on screen and make our own minds up. Interesting but not one of Pete Walker's best.

This was the final movie Walker made before moving into the horror field where he would make his name. The plot concerns rival gangs and a stash of gold being smuggled into the country. Several thieves have their plans to make the gold theirs, and much double crossing ensues. One crook, Moom, ends up in the middle of the rival groups and has plans to make off with the loot himself. Violence is not up to future Walker levels and is tame, but eye candy from Hammer girls Luan Peters and Virginia Wetherell helps pass the time with Luan revealing her ample charms a highlight. The ending hints at future Walker conclusions, bleak and downbeat.