Target

On February 18th of 2025, the mighty actor Gene Hackman passed away. I have a tradition to pay tribute to a deceased cinema deity by watching/reviewing one or two of their lesser known (but hopefully worthwhile) movies. For Gene Hackman, however, I want to expand the tribute. He was such an indescribably brilliant and versatile actor. Since he's listed in my top 5 of greatest performers of ALL times, he deserves a full month of homage. Rest in peace, Mr. Hackman, and thanks for the many great movies.

"Target" is one of Hackman's more unknown and unsung 80s efforts, but undeservedly so, because it's a quite ambitious and intelligent espionage thriller. It's also a film with a script that is well ahead of its time, because stories about family men with double lives, CIA backgrounds, and previously undemonstrated action-hero skills are typical for the 2000s and 2010s, or at least that is my sentiment. It's also Hackman's third - and final - collaboration with underrated director Arthur Penn, after "Bonnie and Clyde" and "Night Moves" (of which the latter is still foreseen to feature in my Hackman tribute cycle)

Walter Lloyd is a stern and structured business owner and family man in a little Texan town, but to his son Chris - who's in his early twenties - his father is a dull and unadventurous old man. When Chris' mother gets kidnapped during a vacation in Europe, Chris discovers a side of his father that he never knew existed! When the two of them head over to France, a range of hired killers and criminal organizations pursue them, and Chris is amazed to find out his dad used to be a CIA-agent and still has a few enemies chasing him.

Slightly overlong and suffering from a few dull moments and a predictable end-twist, but "Target" is nevertheless a recommended 80s thriller with a sublime Hackman performance (although his French is not very convincing). The European filming locations (notably in Paris and Hamburg) are refreshing, and there are a handful of impressively staged chase sequences on foot, by car, and by boat. And, of course, the German villains - most notably the silent killer dressed in black and the wheelchair guy - look utmost vicious and pure evil!

This is a great action/thriller that should not be missed. Hackman is an absolute gem as a modern day "dad" confronted with his past. The storyline and dialogue are fast crisp and move along at an ever increasing pace. There's no need to think. Just watch and let the film grip you and take you on a thrill ride into the Cold War and how one man can affect the present with the talents of his past. A great supporting cast and excellent "mood" photography. Gayle Hunnicutt is beautiful and Matt Dillon so convincing you sometimes want to smack him. Gene Hackman is one one our most versatile and distinguished actors and if you want to see him do his thing; here it is. Enjoy and congrats to Arthur Penn for brilliant direction.

From 1985: "Target," directed by Arthur Penn, stars Gene Hackman and Matt Dillon as father and son.

"Target" concerns the abduction of Walter Lloyd's (Hackman) wife while she is in France with a tour group. Lloyd understands the implications immediately, but his son Chris (Matt Dillon) doesn't: Someone is after Lloyd, or information in his possession. Father and son leave immediately for Europe to find her. There, Chris learns information about his father that he never knew. And that's all I can say without giving the game away - which, if you've seen a lot of these films, is pretty apparent.

The problem with "Target" is in the beginning of the film, which has a TV-movie feel to it. Plus, despite locations in Paris and Germany later on, the beginning has a cheap feel to it due to the music and credits, not to mention some trite dialogue and the usual "try to get to know your son while I'm away" speech. It's a bad set-up.

Gene Hackman is terrific as Walter, and Matt Dillon is fine as his son. The standout performance, in my opinion, is by the great acting guru and Broadway star Herbert Berghof in a rare film appearance toward the end of the movie. There are some excellent European actors as well, including the Russian actress Viktoriya Fyodorova.

If not for the beginning, which threw me off, this would have been a better film.

The concentration on character and family values in Arthur Penn's spy thriller ought to make it a better, more intelligent movie, but somehow it doesn't work. Gene Hackman is an ex-CIA spy who's been "in from the cold" for 15 years. But now his wife has been kidnapped in Paris, and he has to get back into top gear in order to retrieve her. He also has to tell the truth about his past to his 18 year old son (Matt Dillon), who hitherto has thought his dad as much a man of action as Mr Magoo. There are all the contrivances we expect in this genre of film - repeated attempts on Hackman's life; car chases; femmes fatales; CIA agents who might be working for the other side; etc, etc. But little tension is developed, and first the recriminations and then the bonding between Hackman and Dillon simply slow the action down. I found the climax a tad ludicrous, but by that time didn't care much.

OK; it IS a bit trite, but still an edge-of-the-seater nonetheless. Surprises galore to keep your imagination occupied, though thriller buffs will predict most of them. I found that part of the fun: keeping score of how many "surprises" i anticipated. Still, the denouement packs punch and satisfies. Great performances by most of the cast, esp. Hackman, who always has that knack of being 'perfect' for the part, doesn't he? and Damon, very apt in this early role. The art direction is superb, the location shooting very convincing. If you like thrillers/whoodunits you WILL be entertained. I gave it only a 7 because reading Sartre is probably a better use of two hours....