EYE FOR AN EYE (1996)

Directed By: John Schlesinger
Written By: Amanda Silver & Rick Jaffa
Based On The Novel By: Erica Holzer
Cinematography By: Amir Mokri
Editor: Peter Honess

Cast: Sally Field, Ed Harris, Joe Mantegna, Olivia Burnette, Beverly D’Angelo, Keith David, Philip Baker Hall, Charlayne Woodard


After her daughter Julie is brutally raped and murdered, Karen McCann is turned down by the LAPD after she requests they keep suspect Robert Doob in jail for good instead of paroling him. Nevertheless, the LAPD and the courts do decide to parole him and Karen turns to a group of hit man trainers for help. They teach her how to manage a gun, etc. Eventually, Karen's husband, Mack, finds out and tries to stop her. Karen backs off. Robert Doob tracks Karen down at the McCaan home and breaks in, hoping to kill her.

The film is a more intense TV-movie more then anything else. It has elements that make it seem like it is perfectly a feature and it is by most rights. Yet it has a innocence and simpleness that makes the film seem direct and seems to play more towards middle America and the cheap seats. It’s a film that is perfectly entertaining as long as you don’t think too hard.

This is a crowd pleaser which is what makes the film enjoyable as it tips it’s hand early by making the villain of the film so evil and one dimensional that you can’t help but root for his demise. Not that you weren’t supposed to but it would be more interesting if he wasn’t so evil felt remorse time to time or worried. Instead he looks bad to the bone so you can see trouble coming off of him and in this tale heis like the big bad wolf just lurking waiting to find a new victim. This is not new territory for Kiefer Sutherland.

Sally Field is good in the lead and we follow her through various emotions. She is the emotional center of the film and while we see other characters react. We never get into their emotional investment in the story, Like her husband we don’t really know anything about him. Even though Ed Harris Co-stars he is given nothing really to do but be a presence. Joe Mantegna shows up as the detective who just can’t cross the immoral line to get the convict convicted though he knows he’s guilty. Charlayne Woodard is Field’s only friend who knows what she is going through. It is a bit shocking during the time period the film was made that her character ends up being a lesbian.

The way the film makes it. It is like no matter what the legal system is useless in trying to convict a career criminal in anything. Which makes it’s way into the final act and gives the film it’s twist.

I remember seeing this film opening weekend. It wasn’t a film I was excited to see it was just a film that seemed to be the best that was coming out that weekend. When movies prices were lower and more affordable. As a teenager I would go to a movie every weekend usually Friday’s. I preferred that day so I could see films before the huge crowds and before anyone could ruin it for me. I think the schedule had been wired into me ever since I was a kid where as most weekends I spent with my father (My parents were separated) were spent at the movies usually Sunday matinees. There was the odd Saturday night feature. Once I could really go to the movies by myself I liked getting a jump on the crowds. Plus sadly it wasn’t like I had parties to go to.
The film was especially shocking to me as I was a fan of Actress Olivia Burnette from watching her on the show. TheTorkelsen’s and Almost Home her death scene in this film is just so brutal. It is a brave performance though she is essentially playing a victim.

It is a film that is entertaining while you watch it and knows how to push your buttons to get an emotional reaction. Soon as it is over though it is forgettable. IT’s a shame that this was directed by Noted Filmmaker John Schlesinger who once made reactionary critical darling films. During his twilight years he still made good films but far from memorable films that seemed more like for hire films more then anything else. Though the rape/Murder scene is brutal and memorable. It is one of the few sparks that come from this film. It’s hard to believe this was made by the same man who directed MIDNIGHT COWBOY. I guess it all comes down to the material they are sending your way.

A satisfying Rental

GRADE: C+