Journalist versus killer. |
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A lot of quality movies during the 1980s got lost amidst the mountain of garbage that defined a decade considered one of the worst in film history. Movie studios spent most of the 80s searching for the next huge blockbuster or hitching their wagons on a never-ending sequel train. Mindless, albeit extremely profitable, franchises like the FRIDAY THE 13TH, NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET and HALLOWEEN took center stage for most of the decade. Consequently, films like THE MEAN SEASON were largely ignored. Well, no longer my filmic friends. Here's your chance to revisit a solid thriller that came and went without much fanfare.
THE MEAN SEASON - 1985
Miami Journal crime-beat reporter Malcolm Anderson (Kurt Russell) is burned out and ready to call it quits. He and his girlfriend Christine (Mariel 
Get outta my face! |
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Hemingway) are looking forward to starting a life together in a small town. Malcolm's future is put on hold after he gets a call from a man claiming responsibility for the murder of a young woman. The killer calls himself a fan of Malcolm's and reveals a plan to murder four more people. Malcolm notifies the police and together they join forces to find the killer's identity. The phone calls continue as the killer looks to use Malcolm to achieve stardom.
The sticky, sweltering heat of South Florida springs to life in this cat and mouse caper. Egos clash as the media and police butt heads while attempting to collaborate. A serpentine plot shows how a killer can use the press to further his agenda and at the same time hinder an investigation. The desire to become the center of attention becomes greater than the need to capture 
The storm has arrived. |
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a murderer. Fame and all its spoils trumps justice and common sense.
Director Phillip Borsos steers a taut story to a satisfying conclusion without veering of course. The idea of a reporter becoming a media star is nothing new today, but back in 1985, before the 24/7 news cycle, it was a relatively new concept. Journalistic integrity and impartiality are called into question. Is it right for a news person to become bigger than the story he or she is covering? Does the public suffer if a news personality trades conscience for celebrity? Kurt Russell delivers a top-notch performance playing the driven, conflicted Malcolm. A strong supporting cast includes Richard Jordan, Richard Masur, Richard Bradford, Joe Pantoliano and Andy Garcia. THE MEAN SEASON doesn't break any new ground but it's more than deserving of a look.
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| Eye On The Overlooked |
Every other Sunday
A lot of great movies slip through the cracks. I'm here to catch them.
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| Scott Tunstall |
Scott is a freelance writer currently living in the Southeast. He is a film school grad with a love of theory and screenwriting. His tastes vary from obscure niche films to giant Hollywood blockbusters. In other words, he'll watch pretty much anything.
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| Contact |
If you have a comment, question, or suggestion, you can send a message to Scott Tunstall by clicking here.
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