Keeping Track

Keeping Track is a thrilling Canadian crime drama released in 1986, directed by Robin Spry. The film boasts an exceptional cast, including veteran actors Michael Sarrazin, Margot Kidder, and Alan Scarfe.

Michael Sarrazin, best known for his performance in They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? (1969), delivers a compelling performance as the lead protagonist, Mickey Tremaine, a disgraced ex-police officer. The film follows Tremaine’s journey as he's drawn back into the world he had once sworn off. Sarrazin brings a unique depth to Tremaine, making his struggles and ambitions relatable to the audience.

Margot Kidder, fondly remembered for her portrayal of Lois Lane in the Superman series, stars as the feisty Francois Howard. She is a hard-hitting reporter drawn into the treacherous world of political intrigue and murder that Tremaine has entered. Kidder's portrayal of Howard is captivating. Her character's determination, bravery, and skillful investigative work add a sense of urgency and complexity to the plot.

Rounding out the main cast is Alan Scarfe, as the villainous character Anderzej. Scarfe paints a chilling picture of a ruthless antagonist with his performance. Anderzej is a prominent figure within an illicit organization involved in a significant political scandal that drives the main conflict in the movie.

The plot of Keeping Track is intricate, revolving around political intrigue and captivating detective work. The film begins with Mickey Tremaine living a quiet life after being discharged from the police force under unspecified circumstances. His relatively peaceful existence is suddenly disrupted when he is reluctantly drawn into a dangerous web of political corruption and murder.

At the heart of this treacherous saga lies a well-conceived political scandal, intricately woven into the plot. Mickey's journey takes a complicated turn when a case he takes on connects him with Francois Howard, a sharp reporter with a nose for news. As they cross paths, they form an uneasy alliance against a common enemy. As the duo delves further into the case, the stakes get increasingly higher. The further they go, the more they find themselves entangled in a web of deceit and danger.

Robin Spry's direction expertly balances the elements of action, suspense, and drama in the film. He masterfully maintains an air of suspense throughout, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats, guessing what would happen next. The atmosphere is further enhanced by the cinematography and the film's music, which create a thrilling mood that complements the tension of the story.

Keeping Track also takes time to explore the personal lives and motivations of the characters, providing a human element to this action-packed story. Making the characters feel real and believable adds an extra layer of engagement for the audience, making it agonizing to watch their turmoil yet compelling to see how they manage to navigate through it.

A substantial part of the movie's appeal is its setting, mainly in and around the city of Montreal. The location plays practically a character of its own, with the grit and urban grittiness of the city further propelling the story's ominous feel. It's a city that reveals its secrets to those who dare to look, enhancing the overall mystery that our protagonists are trying to unravel.

For fans of thrillers that offer more than just car chases and shootouts, Keeping Track is a film worth watching. It caters to audiences who appreciate stories rich in character development and electrifying suspense. The relatable characters, combined with the intricate storyline, punctuated by high-intensity action sequences, make this a memorable film in the Canadian crime-drama genre.

All in all, Keeping Track is a gem from the 80s, intertwining political conspiracy, mystery, and intense drama in a manner that continues to captivate audiences and withstand the test of time.