The Last Run (1971)

Certainly not awful, but with a title like this, one would expect a whole lot more action. George C. Scott is a getaway driver out for one last score, helping to break low-life creep Tony Musante out of a Portugese prison. Musante hooks them up with his dishy (and decidedly sane) girlfriend (Trish Van Devere). The three flee the law as well as a number of gangsters. It's all rather dull for a film that promises fast paced thrills. Director Richard Fleischer does his standard journeyman's work and despite stunning cinematography by Sven Nykvist(!) and a suitably rousing score by Jerry Goldsmith, the film is shockingly inert. Scott growls a lot, Musante is annoying and Van Devere is pretty fetching. Colleen Dewhurst has a small, and very unlikely role. Started by director John Huston, who walked off the project after one too many arguments with the famously temperamental Scott.

I waited for years to see this film, and I must say its a complete disappointment. Not one second did I believe that George C. Scotts character would risk his life for the gangster and his moll. Trish Van Devere was completely miscast in this part, as she appears too nice to engage in the manipulation she dishes out in the film. Actually, all the characters are unbelievable, and the acting is self-conscious, as if everyone is aware they are in a production. Perhaps this is a result of the many script changes and change of directors,it has an uneven, pasted together feel to it. And was George C. Scott's character life so empty for him to align himself with these people? The film did not show that. In fact he seems to have some strong and loyal friendships in the beginning of the film. Please don't say I don't understand the film-I do, it just was not very good. To see a good film from writer Alan Sharpe's work, see "Night Moves."

George C Scott plays Harry Garmes, a former getaway driver who comes out of retirement to prove to himself he hasn't lost his touch. He lives in a small Portugese fishing village, but he isn't fulfilled; he views retirement as preparation for death and goes behind the wheel again to inject some vitality into his existence. What promises to be a straightforward job, however, brings him unexpected challenges. The film boasts suspenseful car chases, impressive cinematography, a good script and a compelling performance from George C Scott as the cynical driver who gets more than he bargains for as he chauffeurs an escaped prisoner and his girlfriend across country. The film is thought-provoking, it deals with love, death, regret, frustration and determination, and coupled with tension and suspense makes it a memorable ride.

Last Run tells the story of a retired get-away driver who come to think of retirement as slow death. And so takes one last job.He retired to Portugal, bought a house and a boat, to live happily ever after. But it doesn't work out that way. His 3 year old son died, his new wife left for another lover, he rented his boat to a real fisherman on realising he's a hopeless fisherman; he leads a lonely life.He takes a job nine years later to prove to himself that he's still capable, that he's not dead. He wishes more than ever to do the job well; and he does.This movie touches on the meaning of death and what it takes to be alive. Its a personal journey an sums up middle aged life.I particularly liked the use of the car. It was filmed beautifully with authentic sound and driving: no special effects, just an honest representation as the last love in his life. It was refreshing to see the driver fighting the live rear axle as he negotiated mountainous bends at speed. Now there's something missing from modern movies.