In the Line of Fire **** (1993, Clint Eastwood, John Malkovich, Rene Russo, Dylan McDermott, Gary Cole, John Mahoney) – Classic Movie Review 5794

Director Wolfgang Petersen’s classy 1993 thriller finds an ideal role for Clint Eastwood as Secret Service Agent Frank Horrigan, an FBI man who failed to put his body in the line of fire to save President Kennedy in 1963.

But 30 years later Frank gets another chance when a crazed marksman with a grudge against the world and a death wish want to kill the current US President.

Eastwood gives an adroit, nimble, easy-going performance in this exciting thriller with all the elements carefully orchestrated by director Petersen. Everybody involved attacks it with the greatest confidence, papering over the cracks in an obviously absurd story.

John Malkovich gives an impressive display of villainy as Mitch Leary, the clever former CIA assassin out to take down the President as he stands for re-election, and Rene Russo handles the love interest as Lilly Raines with the charm and appeal of the young Lauren Bacall.

This well-crafted, old-fashioned action thriller delivers the required entertainment straight down the line. It was nominated for three Oscars.

Also in the good cast are Dylan McDermott, Gary Cole, John Mahoney as Sam Campagna, Fred Dalton Thompson, Gregory Alan Williams, Jim Curley, Sally Hughes, Clyde Kusatu, Steve Hytner, Tobin Bell, Bob Schott, Juan A Riojas, Elsa Raven, Arthur Senzy and Patrika Darbo.

It runs 129 minutes, is a Castle Rock film released by Columbia, is written by Jeff Maguire, is shot in widescreen by John Bailey, is produced by Jeff Apple, is scored by Ennio Morricone, and designed by Lilly Kilvert.

John Mahoney voice acting on 7 September 2007.

RIP John Mahoney (June 20, 1940 – February 4, 2018).

© Derek Winnert 2017 Classic Movie Review 5794

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