Review of The Hitcher (1986) by Luc L — 08 Sep 2012
This has been a cult classic to many years, thanks to Hauer's terrific performance as the mysterious serial killer John Ryder, Eric Red's (Bad Moon, Body Parts, Near Dark) script, Oscar-Winner John Seale's beautiful Widescreen cinematography gives the movie life and Harmon's sharp direction.
It wasn't a hit in theaters, when it came out and there was some negative reviews. But this movie does play better with age. If you listen to the song "Riders of the Storm" by The Doors, that is basically the plot of the movie.
Which it did inspired Red to write the script. "The Hitcher" does raises more interesting questions than answers. I do like the moody, depressing, bleak feel of the movie in the big Texas landscape.
Which becomes an character in a way. There is some memorable unpleasent sequences, like when Jim (Howell in a fine performance) nearly eats a finger from the diner, thinking it was a french fried and Leigh's intense sequence, when she is about to get split in two.
It is the odd relationship between Ryder and Jim makes it fascinating to watch. A truly good movie that is not for all tastes. It is a strange mix of pyschological thriller, horror, action, suspense and dark comedy.
A true original.
This review of The Hitcher (1986) was written by Luc L on 08 Sep 2012.
The Hitcher has generally received positive reviews.
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