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In the Line of Fire (1993)
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Movie Review by Jarrod
September 15th, 2007
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'In the Line of Fire' is a superb thriller, with a superb villain, played by John Malkovich in one of his best performances. He is Mitch, a master of disguise, a former assassin, now set on killing the president, even at the cost of his own life. He toys with Secret Service agent Frank Horrigan (Eastwood), who is still haunted by his failure to protect JFK back in 1963, and determined not to let another chief executive die on his watch. Mitch calls Frank to remind him of his past, which he has followed closely, and to tell him what he plans to do, daring Frank to stop him, which is easier said than done, especially since Frank is at odds with his superiors, who think he is old and ineffective. Frank falls for fellow agent Lilly Raines (Russo), and gets a new partner, Al (Dylan McDermott), all as he tries to catch the endlessly clever Mitch. This cat-and-mouse game is expertly paced and constructed by director Wolfgang Petersen, and editor Anne V Coates.
Eastwood is pitch-perfect as Frank, stubborn and tough, often echoing Dirty Harry, but capable of maintaining a rather sublime and convincing chemistry with the beautiful Russo, whose character is inexplicably attracted to his, and their relationship is nicely developed. Wonderful music by the legendary Ennio Morricone, which adds to the tension, especially during an exciting rooftop chase and the finale, when Frank confronts Mitch at an extravagant convention dinner. Malkovich creates a smart, ruthless psychopath, who murders without the slightest hesitation, yet demands respect and honesty from Frank, whom he admires, at least to some degree.
Malkovich proves to be the most memorable aspect of the film, though I do not wish to discredit or understate the work of Eastwood or Russo, both of whom are in fine form. This may be Petersen's best flick after Das Boot.
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