Review of In the Line of Fire (1993) by Jonathon S — 20 Jul 2008

'In the Line of Fire' is the perfect example of an exemplary thriller. It has a level of sophistication and logic behind the adrenaline and action sequences, and uses conventions to its advantage rather than out of habit or laziness; it is realistic, energetic and doesn't insult the audience's intelligence.

Clint Eastwood plays FBI agent Frank Horrigan, who was present on the day of John F. Kennedy's assassination, and unfortunately (but understandably) hindered in his duty to protect. Ever since he is haunted by the situation, until it once again arises when bitter but clever assassin known only as Leary feels compelled to murder the current president. It sounds rather familiar and cliché, but I have never seen the premise executed in such a thrilling and smart fashion, and with such consummate skill.

The key to 'In the Line of Fire's strong aspects as a thriller is keeping the villain constantly elusive, but only just. Horrigan and his partner are always a couple of steps behind, and they have so many chances to catch him, but never quite get there. It keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, and makes for some exhilarating and spine-tingling moments. We want Leary to be caught, just as much as Horrigan, who comes to see the chase more and more personal.

It is also refreshing to see an action film where the characters must deal with the consequences of their actions, especially psychologically. Eastwood gets a number of moments where he confronts his own paranoid delusions, or grave mistakes. They add depth and substance to the rest of the occurrences, which become more moving and profound. The personal relationship almost elevates to private, and subdued, but where fury and hate is left to bubble away inside. You can almost feel Horrigan's anger, and his misguided belief that everything will end okay if he can just catch Leary and make up for his past.

This isn't to say the film is utterly dreary and depressing. A lot of wit and humour sneaks its way in to the screenplay without crashing the tone off course, and the romantic sub-plot is mature, never taking centre-stage to the main plot thread. As Horrigan, Eastwood delivers a smart and subtle performance, and Rene Russo is fine as his flirtatious boss. As Leary, Malkovich is on scene-stealing form; he plays a creepy and chilling guy with expert conviction, and without tumbling into self-parody. The developed character ambiguities of good and evil ensure no actor is left with below average material.

'In the Line of Fire' is coherent and exciting, keeping the plot as a main focus that allows for emotional character growth. It doesn't quite reach heights of absolute greatness, but it touches the surface, and as a thriller based on an entirely generic premise, it excels.