The Falcon and the Snowman **** (1985, Timothy Hutton, Sean Penn, David Suchet, Lori Singer, Pat Hingle) – Classic Movie Review 9154

Outstanding performances from Timothy Hutton as aloof young CIA man Christopher Boyce and Sean Penn as his amoral, drug-pusher buddy Daulton Lee light up director John Schlesinger’s taut, intelligent 1985 US thriller The Falcon and the Snowman based on a real-life story about two sons from affluent families convicted of selling secrets to the Soviets in 1977.

Among the film’s many qualities is the way it provides fascinating insights into why two all-American boys would turn traitors.

Hutton was always a fine young actor, but the movie also offers sound early proof of the high quality of the young Penn’s acting, as well as an excellent opportunity for Schlesinger to show his prowess and paces.

Steven Zaillian’s crafted screenplay adapts the book by Robert Lindsey.

There is a tough tone, but TV may edit out the strong language, with 19 uses of the F word.

It did OK but wasn’t a big earner. It cost $12,000,000, and grossed $17,130,087 in the US.

Also in the cast are David Suchet, Lori Singer, Pat Hingle, Joyce Van Patten, Dorian Harewood, Mady Kaplan, Richard Dysart, Chris Makepeace, Priscilla Pointer, Macon McCalman, Jerry Hardin, Nicholas Pryor, Betty Lou Henson, Stanley Grover, Bob Arbogast, Boris Leskin, George C Grant, Anatoli Davydov, Jennifer Runyon, Daniel McDonald, Marvon J McIntyre, Sam Ingraffia, Martha Campos, Rob Reed, Rob Newell, Karen West, Arturo Comacho and Annie Kozuch.

The Falcon and the Snowman is directed by John Schlesinger, runs 131 minutes, is made by Hemdale and Estudios Churubusco Azteca, is released by Orion Pictures (1985) (US) and Rank Film Distributors (1985) (UK), is written by Steven Zaillian, based on the book by Robert Lindsey, is shot by Allen Daviau, is produced by John Daly, Gabriel Katzka and John Schlesinger, is scored by Pat Metheny and is designed by James D Bissell.

© Derek Winnert 2019 Classic Movie Review 9154

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