Le banquier

Some "B" movies just deliver the goods, and "The Banker" is just such a film. Anyone who has seen any of the numerous "Most Dangerous Game" type clones, will definitely feel on familiar ground. The main difference being that the "hunter" uses as crossbow instead of a rifle, and the stalking takes place in the city instead of the wild countryside. One thing "The Banker" has going for it is a competent performance by Robert Forster. Shanna Reed and Jeff Conway seem pale by comparison, and Duncan Regehr over acts, while Richard Roundtree is mostly wasted in a no name type role. The film does generate some tension, and thankfully there are no car chase time fillers. Definitely worth a viewing by "B" movie admirers. - MERK

My name is Dana Augustine and I was the co-story, screenwriter and associate producer on the Robert Forster (of 'JACKIE BROWN' and an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for same) picture called 'THE BANKER.'

According to Bob Forster, Quentin Tarantino (in his days as a video store manager) kept 'THE BANKER' on his 'favorite shelf' and that was one of the reasons (again, according to Forster) that he got, what turned out to be, the Oscar nominated role as 'Max Cherry' in 'JACKIE BROWN.'

Besides all of the other reviews you may have read regarding my film, please take a look at 'THE VIDEOHOUND'S COMPLETE GUIDE TO CULT FLICKS AND TRASH PICS' ... they gave it a review called my script 'smart and funny.'

They gave it a rating of '3 and 1/2 Bones' -- and in comparison, you'll notice that they also gave 'BLADE RUNNER' 3 and 1/2 Bones.

Lastly, this film has a following. For one of many personal examples, I was in a video store once and there was a fella renting my movie. Before telling him WHO I was, in regards as the screenwriter of 'THE BANKER', I asked him what he liked about it. He said, "Ohh man, it's cool. It's weird. I've seen 4 times already."

The good news is, because of this movie, I became a commercial director and have 600 plus commercials under my belt and a ton of awards.

Thanks for your interest in my little cop / killer thriller.

Dana Augustine

Hey, let me tell ya about "The Banker," folks. This movie's got more twists and turns than my golf swing! I tell ya, it's a real thriller that'll keep you on the edge of your seat.

The acting in this movie is no joke, folks. Robert Forster gives a performance that's so good, it'll make you forget about my back-to-back-to-back appearances on "The Tonight Show." And Duncan Regehr? He's so convincing as the hitman, I wouldn't be surprised if he was packing heat in real life.

Now, don't get me wrong, this movie isn't perfect. Sometimes it moves slower than a turtle in a tar pit. But hey, even I can't get laughs all the time.

All in all, "The Banker" is a solid movie that's worth a watch. It may not be as well-known as some other crime thrillers, but it's got heart and soul, just like my golf game. So go ahead and give it a shot, folks. You won't be disappointed!

My review was written in December 1989 after watching the movie on MCEG/Virgin video cassette.

A bank chairman as a heartless monster? What sounds like a job description is the basis for an effective horror tale in the flasher genre.

William Webb, shose films have inevitably gone direct to video, makes no pretense at making a whodunit here. We're immediately informed that banker Duncan Regehr is killing call girls, then ritualistically mutilating their bodies. It seems he's following some ancient South American Indian practice, even painting his face and using a crossbow.

Robert Forster is the plodding cop tracking him down. Giving the film an interesting wrinkle is Forster's old flame, Shanna Ree, who becomes a successful newscaster and wins popular support when her uncensored outrage at the killer is allowed to be broadcast. Regehr becomes one of her biggest fans and then turns against her in a love-hate fashion.

Though low on suspense, pic benefits from casting of such luscious actresses as Teri Weigel and Deborah Richter as the targets of Regehr's bloodlust. There are overt overtones of "The Most Dangerous Game" as he often refers to hunt down his human prey.

This is the type of movie you shouldn't approach with high expectations. If you do, you'll be extremely disappointed. However, if you approach this movie with low expectations, and remember that it was made in 89' you will probably enjoy this film for what it is; an amusing thriller. Of course the dialogue is a bit lame, and the acting can be very wooden, but if you sit back, and have a couple of drinks, you'll probably find this movie hilarious. I know I did! The concept of the movie is great to begin with; A rich banker is going around murdering prostitutes with a cross-bow...I mean how awesome is that? He wears fantastic face paint and runs around bare chested. Of course, the movie is extremely predictable and I wouldn't recommend that you buy it, but if you see it at the video store and want a laugh, rent it out! You may regret it....