Sitting Target

Sitting Target is a thrilling and gritty British crime film directed by Douglas Hickox and released in 1972. With an impressive line-up of actors including Oliver Reed, Jill St. John, and Ian McShane, Sitting Target is a surefire hit for crime-drama enthusiasts, drawing its viewers into the intense settings of hard-nosed criminals, calculating policemen, and a dynamic plot full of almost surreal suspense and mystery.

Set in the grimy underworld of 1970s London, Sitting Target revolves around Harry Lomart (Oliver Reed), an exceptionally hardened criminal who is serving a long imprisonment sentence. Reed brings a fierce intensity to his character, embodying the seething rage and volatile danger of a man ready to break-out not for freedom's sake but for an entirely different motivation. Ian McShane of 'Lovejoy' and 'Deadwood' fame plays Birdy Williams, a loyal friend and cellmate, with surprising layers that only add to the complexity of the tale.

The film's core narrative brings in a provocative twist involving Harry’s wife, Pat, convincingly played by Jill St. John - an actress best known for her role as the Bond girl Tiffany Case in Diamonds Are Forever. Reeling from the news that Pat, his estranged spouse, is expecting another man’s child, a livid Harry is flamed into a passionate revenge that forms the nerve of his daring escape plan. The storyline swiftly escalates in tension from thereon, tracking Harry's ruthless chase to confront his wife and the unnamed man she's been involved with during his incarceration.

Sitting Target's screenplay provides richly developed characters that are set amidst an authentic backdrop of 70s Britain; every scene invokes a sense of raw reality, whether it is the brutal life behind bars or the harsh outdoor environment that Harry navigates through in his quest for vengeance. The grizzled depiction of the underbelly London crime world enhances the overall atmosphere, providing a consistent tone that realistically dark and gritty.

Although primarily known as a crime film, Sitting Target could also be considered as a study in character, particularly that of Harry Lomart. The entire narrative is propelled by Lomart's intense desire for revenge, presenting a captivating exploration into the psyche of a man who sees his world crumble and chooses a course of action fueled by unchecked rage and bitterness. Oliver Reed's portrayal of Lomart is an indisputable highpoint of the film. He successfully brings forth the complexities of a man driven by vengeance - petrifying and firm, yet tinged with a poignant vulnerability.

Stretching beyond the stark narrative of retribution, the movie also features some breathtaking and thrillingly directed action sequences. Director Douglas Hickox, known for Theater of Blood (1973), grounds the action in a raw reality that amplifies the tension and the corresponding excitement. From the meticulous planning scenes to the courageous prison break and the gripping showdown, the film is filled with moments of nail-biting suspense that keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

The supporting cast, including Freddie Jones, Edward Woodward, and Frank Finlay, adds depth to the narrative, all convincingly portraying their characters. Every player, no matter how small their role, adds a vital piece to this jigsaw puzzle of crime and revenge.

Featuring a haunting score by Stanley Myers that accentuates the mood and tempo of the narrative, and stunning cinematography that captures the bleak beauty of 1970s London, Sitting Target stands out in the genre of British crime films.

In summary, Sitting Target is a relentless chess game where the pursued and the pursuer are continuously shifting roles, creating moments of exhilarating tension and unexpected turns. The solid performances, intense storyline, and the atmospheric backdrop combine to weave an unforgettable crime drama. The movie is an exploration of the world that exists on both sides of the law, exposing the raw, seething underbelly beneath the facades of civilization. The film does have a charm of its own that aficionados of the classic crime-thriller genre will appreciate, making it a 'must-watch.'