Review of Targets (1968) by James G — 01 Nov 2009

On first impression, Peter Bogdanovich's Targets is a bit of a daunting film to get through. It contains two compelling stories that while I was watching I couldn't help but question why they were put together in one film. The story of an aging horror actor giving up on his profession seemed like one of the last things you would pair up with the story of a man taking a sack full of guns and going on a shooting rampage. But by the film's stellar climax, Targets proved to be one of the most impressive films I've seen that explores the world of horror cinema and the real horrors that can affect everyday life.

A lot of great early cinema horror actors had been reduced to doing poverty row pictures, and screen legend Boris Karloff was no different. He has done many films for Roger Corman and his studios, but Targets is the first film I've seen that Corman produced that put Karloff to better use than just having him in the film for his name (though don't get me wrong, I love a lot of Karloff and Corman's work together). I liked the way Karloff played Byron Orlok, the aging actor giving up on the film industry. The part was very much like Karloff, which is why he seemed so perfect and strong in the role.

Tim O'Kelly plays Bobby Thompson, the man who suddenly goes on a shooting rampage. For a film that was made in the 60's, the shooting scenes are among the most shocking I've seen. The most notable is when Bobby takes a sniper rifle and shoots at drivers on the freeway. This was a truly shocking scene, and quite chilling even by today's standards. I also liked how the film doesn't dig too much into Bobby's mind, and gives no explanation on why he has gone on this rampage.

It is where these two stories finally cross paths where Targets really comes to its high point. Byron Orlok comes face to face with Bobby during a shoot out at a drive in, where one of Orlok's movies is showing. I liked the metaphor created here, with a legend of horror cinema running into a real-life horror figure, who is probably more terrifying than any monster this actor has ever played. This provided a timeless message, that still has a lot of relevance today.

Targets was a film I caught by accident the other night, and I'm extremely happy I did. I never expected the film to turn out the way it did, especially since it was a Corman produced film starring Karloff in the twilight of his career. But with a gifted collection of writers and a fantastic director, in his directorial debut by the way, Targets is a surprisingly effective and highly entertaining film. Certainly worth seeking out.