The Exterminator

The Exterminator is an enthralling action-thriller film released in 1980, starring Robert Ginty, Samantha Eggar, and Christopher George. Directed by James Glickenhaus, the movie is a tale of retribution and vigilante justice, steeped in the gritty realism of urban decay and the moral ambiguities of society.

The film creates an adrenaline-fueled platform to introduce Robert Ginty’s character, John Eastland, a former Vietnam veteran with an iron will and the heart of a warrior. Eastland's best friend and war buddy, Michael Jefferson (played by Steve James), falls prey to a sadistic gang in a New York City crawling with criminal elements. Faced with an apathetic justice system that seems powerless to help, Eastland steps into the void, trading his hardhat for a crusader's sword. He transmutes his raw fury into a force to be reckoned with, becoming a relentless vigilante dubbed 'The Exterminator'.

In his ruthless war against crime, Eastland uses his combat skills to hunt down the ruthless gang members who victimized his friend and any others who dare to introduce fear into society. As gangsters and criminals start mysteriously disappearing, it becomes evident that someone is taking justice into their own hands, cleaning up the city's overwhelming criminal presence one heartless villain at a time.

Parallel to the tale of retribution runs an equally captivating story. Detective James Dalton, portrayed convincingly by Christopher George, is a tenacious New York City cop tasked with apprehending the law's enforcer. Dalton is a hard-nosed, old-school detective who believes in the system's ability to dole out justice. He is caught in a moral quandary, attempting to close in on the frustrated citizen who has taken law enforcement into his hands while wrestling with the reality of the city's failure to protect its citizens effectively.

Samantha Eggar, portraying Dr. Megan Stewart, offers a beacon of compassion and humanity. Dr. Stewart is a doctor who provides medical aid to victims of urban violence and policemen alike. She forms a pivotal link between the contrasting themes of vigilante justice and the systems in place to tackle crime, providing an empathetic perspective on the dire circumstances that trigger a man's transformation into The Exterminator.

The Exterminator takes audiences on a roller-coaster of justice served in a distinctly non-judicial manner. Director James Glickenhaus presents a grim picture of New York City in the late '70s, dealing with a surge of underworld activities that police seem largely ineffective at controlling. It's a world where the line between right and wrong blurs rapidly, setting the stage for the rise of a vigilante.

The film’s distinctive motif of revenge juxtaposes well with a backdrop dominated by pawn shops, seedy bars, and dark alleys. Cinematography by Robert M. Baldwin paints the cityscape with a brooding palette that enhances the narrative’s ominous mood. Well-choreographed combat sequences, coupled with generous doses of pyrotechnic effects, add to The Exterminator's raw and visceral appeal. Yet, the sense of pathos permeating the narrative never truly wanes. Despite the relentless violence, there's an inherent tragedy in how societal decay pushes an ordinary man to the brink and beyond.

The Exterminator stakes its ground firmly in the grim and grimy action cinema of its time. The unprecedented exploration of vigilantism resonates with audiences even today, transforming this action-thriller from a mere entertainer into an enduring genre classic. Robert Ginty's powerful portrayal of a blue-collar worker turned urban lone ranger adds depth to the film, and the supporting performances of Samantha Eggar and Christopher George wittily capture the prevailing ethical dilemmas.

If you are a fan of raw, visceral, action-packed drama served with thought-provoking social commentary, The Exterminator will satiate your appetite for thrills and leave you pondering the complexities of justice in an unjust world.