Robert Redford is just right as Joe Turner, a "reader" for a government intelligence office whose job is to pore over books and articles, and report any information to his superiors that could be seen as relevant. While out one day, getting lunch for his co-workers, he escapes a violent fate, because the rest of them are being assassinated. He must take it on the lam, trying to figure out if he can trust ANYBODY (his employers make being shady their stock in trade). He improvises by abducting an innocent young photographer, Kathy Hale (Faye Dunaway), and forcing her to help him. She's scared, but does start sympathizing with him and willingly becoming a part of his schemes.
Adapting the novel "Six Days of the Condor" by James Grady, screenwriters Lorenzo Semple, Jr. & David Rayfiel and director Sydney Pollack make this an intriguing and involved tale of paranoia and suspicion. It hinges on intelligent dialogue and situations, rather than revolving around action set pieces. We're not ten steps ahead of our protagonist, and discover layers to the story along with him. We are also able to share in his desperation and paranoia, given the relaxed pace of the film, and feel relief when he escapes a few life-and-death situations. The relationship between Joe Turner and Kathy Hale also adds a level of humanity as he comes to truly appreciate everything that she does for him, and she respects his sincerity and honesty.
Joe Turner is one of those "average Joe" type lead characters that are easier to relate to than, say, a Schwarzenegger or Stallone type superhero. We do admire him for his smarts and survival instincts, but find him believable as well because it's clear that he's in over his head. Redfords' performance is throughly credible, and even when the character is given to some righteous indignation, he doesn't make this quality as abrasive as it might have been, coming from a lesser actor. Dunaway is equally as impressive, with Cliff Robertson scoring as a smug, self-confident CIA bigwig. John Houseman is typically solid in a special guest appearance as one of Robertsons' peers. But Max von Sydow is the true MVP of the production, offering charisma and screen presence as the assassin / mercenary who never worries about the reasons why someone might want a "job" done. The confrontations and scenes between Redford & Robertson, and Redford & von Sydow, are among the best in the picture.
Commendably, the filmmakers keep you hanging until the end, and uncertain as to whether Joes' problems will be solved. One thing's for sure: you know this guy will have to be looking over his shoulder a lot from now on.
Eight out of 10.
Adapting the novel "Six Days of the Condor" by James Grady, screenwriters Lorenzo Semple, Jr. & David Rayfiel and director Sydney Pollack make this an intriguing and involved tale of paranoia and suspicion. It hinges on intelligent dialogue and situations, rather than revolving around action set pieces. We're not ten steps ahead of our protagonist, and discover layers to the story along with him. We are also able to share in his desperation and paranoia, given the relaxed pace of the film, and feel relief when he escapes a few life-and-death situations. The relationship between Joe Turner and Kathy Hale also adds a level of humanity as he comes to truly appreciate everything that she does for him, and she respects his sincerity and honesty.
Joe Turner is one of those "average Joe" type lead characters that are easier to relate to than, say, a Schwarzenegger or Stallone type superhero. We do admire him for his smarts and survival instincts, but find him believable as well because it's clear that he's in over his head. Redfords' performance is throughly credible, and even when the character is given to some righteous indignation, he doesn't make this quality as abrasive as it might have been, coming from a lesser actor. Dunaway is equally as impressive, with Cliff Robertson scoring as a smug, self-confident CIA bigwig. John Houseman is typically solid in a special guest appearance as one of Robertsons' peers. But Max von Sydow is the true MVP of the production, offering charisma and screen presence as the assassin / mercenary who never worries about the reasons why someone might want a "job" done. The confrontations and scenes between Redford & Robertson, and Redford & von Sydow, are among the best in the picture.
Commendably, the filmmakers keep you hanging until the end, and uncertain as to whether Joes' problems will be solved. One thing's for sure: you know this guy will have to be looking over his shoulder a lot from now on.
Eight out of 10.