Thoughtful and tense. (The Hitcher [1986] (DVD))

Member Name: TheKnight

Product:	The Hitcher [1986] (DVD)
Date:	05/08/00 (126 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Thoughtful, tense, thoroughly engaging. Suggested sub-plot.

Disadvantages: Unless you catch (and enjoy) the supernatural elements of the film it will seem rather far-fetched at times.

This film, is more suspense and intrigue than horror, but there are many super-natural undertones to the astute viewer's eye.

The film starts with a tired C. Thomas Howell dozing at the wheel on a long, lonely drive. After a very close call he decides to pick up a hitchhiker in the middle of a torrential rainstorm. "My mother told me never to do this" he tells his passenger. "Your mother was right." his passenger replies, and goes on to illustrate throughout the film.

Rutger Haugur, playing the dark and enigmatic hitcher of the title, is superb in this film. He brings out the subtle hints of the sub-plot perfectly to tantalize those who look beneath the surface plot.

You dare not blink while the Hitcher, John Rider is on screen, because with each look, each faint change of expression, and even in moments of doing nothing, Rutger spins a wealth of depth and mystery into the role, and indeed the plot as a whole.

The director made a wonderful job of keeping the incredibly tense atmosphere tight throughout the film, and also brings us some great images and chilling scenes. The film's musical score strengthens the dark and chilling tension perfectly.

There is plenty of violence, and yet it is more implied and suggested rather than depicted in gorey scenes. The film is predominently psychological, and has the depth to keep the mind engaged for some time after the film has finished.

Even so, there are visuals that remain to haunt you after the film is over. The scene in the restaurant with the chips is one, while the police dog in the station is another.

On the surface, this film is reminiscent of Spielberg's first movie, 'Duel' (the one with the truck chasing the car) and has the same eerie suspense and heart-stopping tension. There are also faint elements of 'The Terminator' in the way that the hitcher marches relentlessly, unstoppably, and lethally after his ta
rget.

On deeper levels the film may be more reminiscent of Film Noir offerings such as 'Angel Heart' or even 'The Crow'. If any of those films are on your lst of enjoyable films, then 'The Hitcher' is certainly a good bet for an evening's viewing.

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