Rutger Hauer, C. Thomas Howell and Jennifer Jason Leigh give very memorable performances in this classic cat-and-mouse thriller directed by well-known TV movie director Robert Harmon.
The story is very simple. Hauer is an utterly psychotic serial killer who is hitch-hiking his way from one victim to another. Howell is a young man trying to deliver a luxury car from Chicago to California. Hauer defines creepiness, and Howell plays his perfect complement, as the unwilling hero.
Fortunately, the script remains devoid of clichés and does not over-do dialog. Instead, we are presented with one tense and disturbing action scenario after another as Howell goes to any length to avoid his hitcher-turned-stalker, and Hauer's obsessive game becomes more and more menacing. Jennifer Jason Leigh makes a nice early appearance as the one person seemingly willing to believe Howell and provide some help.
The story is similar to Spielburg's classic Duel (1971), but more flashy, slightly more human, and just a little more believable. Believability is problematic for both plots, but both films are so well made that it's easy to ignore their absurdities. The horror in The Hitcher is very strongly implied, but never fully presented. The story relies on psychological terror which both actors create with apparent ease.
The cinematography is solid, if not terribly innovative. The editing and directing are excellent - as the film maintains a perfect pace and pitch throughout.
Recommended for thriller fans.
The story is very simple. Hauer is an utterly psychotic serial killer who is hitch-hiking his way from one victim to another. Howell is a young man trying to deliver a luxury car from Chicago to California. Hauer defines creepiness, and Howell plays his perfect complement, as the unwilling hero.
Fortunately, the script remains devoid of clichés and does not over-do dialog. Instead, we are presented with one tense and disturbing action scenario after another as Howell goes to any length to avoid his hitcher-turned-stalker, and Hauer's obsessive game becomes more and more menacing. Jennifer Jason Leigh makes a nice early appearance as the one person seemingly willing to believe Howell and provide some help.
The story is similar to Spielburg's classic Duel (1971), but more flashy, slightly more human, and just a little more believable. Believability is problematic for both plots, but both films are so well made that it's easy to ignore their absurdities. The horror in The Hitcher is very strongly implied, but never fully presented. The story relies on psychological terror which both actors create with apparent ease.
The cinematography is solid, if not terribly innovative. The editing and directing are excellent - as the film maintains a perfect pace and pitch throughout.
Recommended for thriller fans.