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Death Hunt (1981) - Trailer Included
Death Hunt
DVD only available in the U.S.A
U.S DVD Cover
Starring:Lee Marvin, Charles Bronson, Angie Dickinson, William Sanderson, Jon Cedar, Scott Hylands, Carl Weathers, Len Lesser, Ed Lauter
“If anyone's going to bring in Albert Johnson, it's going to be me - not some bounty hunter or some flyboy buckin' for promotion.” - Edgar
Inspired by the true story of Albert Johnson, Death Hunt tells of one of the most intense manhunts of the last century. A gripping story of survival, set against the hostile Yukon wilderness with two legendary tough guys on opposite sides of the law.
“That look on your face would turn good whiskey into sour piss.” - Edgar
Charles Bronson plays mountain man Johnson, an expert soldier who has turned his back on civilization and lives as a hermit trapper. Coming down from the hills for supplies his humanity demands he stop a vicious dog fight that has nearly killed one of the animals.
“Well, I just figure any man who risks his neck to save a dog's life isn't going to kill someone for gold teeth.” - Edgar
Taking the K9 to nurse back to health the owner, a redneck Canadian mountie threatens vigilante justice and soon their grizzled leader Sgt Edgar Millen (Lee Marvin) is reluctantly forced to track down this man of the land.
“This Mountie here says that man should be brought in for trial. Now what are you going to do about it, Edgar?” – Hazel
Thus begins a harrowing, violent and deadly battle of wits, both Millen and Johnson are experts, unwavering in their dedication, instinctually able to live off the land and this is the ultimate test of their abilities.
“Look, if you're in a do-or-die contest for big stakes, you let the other guy get a head start on you. Take small swigs and hold your breath, huh? Then it looks like you're getting ahead. When you see it's starting to circulate on him, then its time to bust it down. Then you're past him and then you pray to the good Lord that you get out of the place before you fall flat on your ass.” - Sundog
A foreign poster for the film.
John Doe says:
This is A grade action cinema, improved upon by the casting two seminal hard men, bringing equal power to their parts. The smart script is unflinchingly grim in its observations. Grand cinematography captures the daunting spectacle of the Canadian Rockies serving to thrust the viewer into the thick of this unforgiving environment.
Action Director Peter Hunt (Shout at The Devil) got his start editing the Sean Connery James Bond films and he helmed On Her Majesties Secret Service. Talented at framing and staging combat scenes the film is energetically constructed with a menacing edge of brutality.
The screenplay serves as a template for later morally hazy survivalist sagas like First Blood released the following year. It’s now classic structure ensures that a lack of favouritism between hunter and hunted adds to the suspense, we never barrack for one side or the other.
Lee Marvin (Point Blank, Hell In The Pacific, Dirty Dozen) is dynamite as the Canadian Mountie who grows to respect his quarry and despise his allies. Charles Bronson (The Mechanic, Once Upon A Time in The West, Mr Majestyk) has minimal dialogue and the strength of his persona speaks volumes during enraged silence.
The scenes where the two are face to face are monumental examples of aggressive masculinity and purpose. The recognisable supporting players all do admirable work, many rendering despicable characters who represent the ignorant prejudice testosterone without brains can create.
Angie Dickinson (Point Blank) also turns up for a squeeze of exposed flesh that though brief is memorable.
John Doe considers this a seminal action film, one of the best from the 80’s or any other era. Its bloody macho voyeurism that engages the mind, comments on the hypocrisies of law enforcement and the duality that develops between skilled adversaries.
The U.S DVD:
Transfer: 1:85:1 Widescreen/Dolby Digital 2.0
Extras: Trailer
Trailer
Here is a portion of an awesome interview with Lee Marvin done just before his death. Talking about working with John Ford and John Wayne.
Here is Marvin talking about Director Robert Alderich.
The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
L.A.M.P.
always thought Marvin and Bronson defined "cool" when I was a kid...used to watch their movies with my Father...
They put out some good stuff, but my favoite Marvin and Bronson movie was The Dirty Dozen...
Great review as usual!
Take care,
Nick
Horrorphile