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Charley Varrick (1973) – Trailer Included
Charley Varrick - DVD available in the U.S.
Director: Don Siegel
Screenplay: Howard Rodman and Dean Riesner
Starring: Walter Matthau, Joe Don Baker, Andrew Robinson, Benson Fong, Felicia Farr, Tom Tully, Bob Steele, Jacklyn Scott, Norman Fell
The Original Charley Varrick poster
“It has to do with this bag of money I'd like to give back to you.” – Charley Varrick
Dirty Harry, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, The Shootist, The Big Steal, Madigan, Riot in Cell Block 11 and Hell is for Heroes, the name of prolific director Don Siegel packs a shotgun full of genre classics. Often overlooked but like a 12 gauge slug to the chest Charley Varrick is an engaging crime thriller that displays all the qualities of his best works. Influencing the Coen Brothers slow burn hunter killer No Country for Old Men and good enough for Tarantino to liberate lines, this is essential viewing for those seeking a smart, tough flick that’s all in the telling.
"They're gonna strip you naked and go to work on you with a pair of pliers and a blowtorch," – Maynard Boyle
Cool foreign poster for Charley Varrick
“I allow very few men to speak to me in that tone. Few caucasians. And no niggers at all.” - Molly
Slamming the pedal to the floor, a heist is unfolding as we enter the dusty highway of this story. An old man and a earthy babe pull up outside a bank. Obviously planned with precision, happenstance causes a dissolving of an in and out robbery. Bang, bang, broom, broom they peel out in a getaway car. Taking a head on trajectory towards a twisting, predator versus prey, brains over brawn chess game outfitted with an arsenal of dry wits, intelligent design and an inevitable collision of fates.
“Charley Varrick, last of the independents. I like that. Has a ring of finality” - Molly
Charley Varrick, master of disguise.
John Doe Says:
Charley pays a price of pleasure for a portrait
Walter Matthau (The Odd Couple) may have had many comedy highlights but his against type slob ways bring dimension to the more action orientated part as they did The Taking of Pelham 1,2,3 and The Laughing Policeman. His laconic eyes and slouched posture fill silences with a ballet of expressionism that carries unpredictable humour and reluctant character complexity.
Joe Don Baker puts temptation in its place.
Playing his role with unnerving animus, the brilliant Joe Don Baker (The Living Daylights, Walking Tall) makes every moment carry danger and we believe his unstoppable determination. That he is never seen in “best villain” lists is still a surprise.
Andy Robinson and Walter Matthau in Charley Varrick
The wardrobe and transportation are of its time but that is the only thing that shrouds the films template of a classic gunslinger western. Don Siegel’s (The Killers, The Line Up) portentous atmosphere and Middle American locations utilized to dominate background mood. His technique and understanding of all facets of cinema boost the entertainment factor to resonate.
Adapting John Reese’s pulp novel “The Last of The Independents”, Writer Dean Riesner (Dirty Harry, Play Misty For Me, Coogan’s Bluff, High Plains Drifter) is responsible for the iconic ‘You feel lucky punk..” from Dirty Harry and some of the dialogue in Varrick warrants equal accolades. Dean’s partner Howard Rodman (Coogan’s Bluff, Madigan) also built his craft around Siegel/Eastwood productions and together the two mold a circumspectly edited cult pleasure.
The musical score by Lalo Schiffrin (Dirty Harry, Enter The Dragon) is in the same arena as his most recognized works as it wires the suspense and loosens the humour.
Man in motion cinematographer Michael C Butler (The Cannonball Run, The Missouri Breaks) brings an edge of coercion to his shooting and with it the modern western tone that lingers like spat chewing tobacco.
Encapsulating JDM’s primary aspirations, Charley Varrick is a John Doe favourite that slyly goes beyond its limitations. More than a footnote or a curio, this is a film that conquers scrutiny and could have just as easily been a classic had its fate removed it from the obviousness of the public eye.
The retro trailer for Charley Varrick
A smack of Molly on the Job
Lalo Schiffrin's Score to Charley Varrick
Screen Adventure
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Have you seen Matthau in The Taking of Pelham 1,2,3? He abandons his comedic persona in that one too. A real revelation is seeing him in King Creole where he plays the villainous heavy opposite Elvis. IMO its also the Kings best film.
Film & TV on DVD
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Film & TV on DVD