Sharky's Machine

Sharky's Machine is a riveting classic from 1981 that combines action, crime, and drama, helmed by leading actor and director, Burt Reynolds. The film casts Burt Reynolds in the role of a hard-nosed, rough-around-the-edges detective known as Tom Sharky and also includes memorable performances by Rachel Ward and Vittorio Gassramn among others.

The story unfolds in the bustling cityscape of Atlanta, Georgia with an edgy yet understated urban-wisdom air emanating from the narrative. Reynolds's character, Tom Sharky, is working in the narcotics division of the Atlanta police department, a seasoned cop known for his toughness and unyielding determination.

The opening sequences establish Sharky with grit amid a botched drug bust. This incident results in his demotion to the vice squad, a relatively unprestigious department that deals primarily with prostitution, gambling, and other smaller-scale misdemeanors. However, Sharky refuses to let this setback discourage him or inhibit his strong sense of justice. Instead, he uses it to fuel his drive, insistently maintaining his uncompromising dedication to fighting crime.

The plot gains momentum when Sharky and his new vice squad team stumble upon a high-end prostitution ring. Engrossed in the complexities and the inherent danger tied to the investigation, they get entangled in affairs much more tangled and dangerous than the usual vice squad dealings. Rachel Ward, playing the character of Dominoe, enters the narrative as an expensive call girl involved in the illicit organization.

Her elegance and mystery captivate both Sharky’s attention and fascination. Meanwhile, the slick and suave Italian actor, Vittorio Gassman, lends a captivating villainy to the screen, playing a high-profile organized crime boss involved in the plotting.

Despite the demands of the 'action' genre, Reynolds’ directorial decisions shine throughout Sharky's Machine. Conceived amid the age of virile action films that favored eruptions of violence over plot substance or character development, the film rather surprisingly exhibits a strong emphasis on narrative progression and the evolution of character arcs.

Burt Reynolds, with his rugged charm and the latent vulnerability beneath his tough exterior, excellently portrays the ageing detective. His portrayal of a cop nearing the end of his career is both hard-hitting and sensitive and remains one of his most accomplished roles. Rachel Ward emerges as the film's captivating femme fatale, playing her character with an alluring mixture of vulnerability and sophistication.

Sharky’s Machine also boasts a treasure trove of notable performances from the ensemble cast - from Charles Durning's sardonic police officer to Bernie Casey's stoic sergeant, each performance contributes excellently to the atmospheric noir feel of the film. The movie couldn’t escape its time frame’s influence, with steady undercurrents of 80’s aesthetics noticeable in its cinematography, costuming, and scoring.

The film weaves an engaging tale of crime, corruption, and one man's relentless quest for justice. It injects freshness into the genre with its procedural depiction of police work, raw portrayal of urban grittiness, and its exploitation of different characters, each with their personalized depth and complexities. The film also doesn't shy away from exhibiting the darker underbelly of society and the degradation coiled within its core.

Overall, Sharky's Machine is genuinely a Burt Reynold's show, both behind and in front of the camera. His ability to portray the toughness required of a hardcore vice-squad detective, coupled with delivering the less flashy but equally important moments of vulnerability and introspection, is a testament to his acting prowess.

Sharky's Machine acts as a time capsule, epitomizing certain aspects of 80s culture while breathing new life into the classic noir elements. It combines the high-stakes crime bosses of the mafia world, drug rings, sex workers and also touches upon the political corruption of the decade and police diligence.

Its distinctive fusion of action sequences, character development, and plot intrigue builds to explore broader themes of corruption, justice, and redemption. Sharky's Machine, to this day, stands as an engaging cinematic experience - a delight for fans of crime-thrillers and those who appreciate the unique allure of old-school noir. Through its atmospheric and potent storytelling, it presents a world where the lines of morality are blurred, and justice comes at a deadly cost.