Review of Targets (1968) by Adam R — 16 Jan 2008
Easily Peter Bogdanovich's best film, and a great comment on the tide of unnatural violence that has gripped America since the '60s onward.
Boris Karloff gets an opportunity to essentially play himself (without the makeup and ghoulishness) as Byron Orlok, an aging horror actor who decides to retire in the wake of the average horrors next door taking prominence in the national consciousness. An example of this horror is Bobby (Tim O'Kelly), a seemingly normal family man who goes on a kill-crazy rampage on the outskirts of Hollywood.
Bobby's killing spree is juxtaposed with the efforts of a director (Peter Bogadnovich) to convince Orlok to rescind his retirement for a final appearance at a drive-in screening. Here, the incarnations of old and new horror meet in a tense show-down.
Self-referencial, mesmerizing, and insightful, this demonstrates Bogdanovich's talent as a director (before super-seriousness overtook him) and Karloff's talent as an actor (before old age overtook him).
This review of Targets (1968) was written by Adam R on 16 Jan 2008.
Targets has generally received positive reviews.
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