Stephen Frears' second feature as a director (after his debut, 1971's GUMSHOE, he had worked in TV for 13 years) is an offbeat, existential crime drama buoyed by fine performances; nicely turned dialogue; and an evocative soundtrack and theme song from Paco di Lucia and Eric Clapton,
respectively.
The story begins in 1973 at a criminal trial where former mob operative Willie Parker (Terence Stamp) testifies against his sometime cronies. After turning state's evidence, he is released. Cut to a quiet Spanish village ten years later. Parker, having enjoyed a quiet, contemplative period of
exile following his turning state's evidence, is flushed out of his house by...
Released:
1984
Rated:
R
Length:
100 mins