The Revolutionary

The Revolutionary, released in 1970, is a harsh and arresting dramatization of political unease during the tumultuous times of the late 1960s and early 1970s. With robust performances from the stellar cast, the film grapples with intense philosophical and ideological challenges. Amongst the lead performances are celebrated actors like Jon Voight, Seymour Cassel, and Robert Duvall.

Jon Voight, best known for his performances in films like Midnight Cowboy and Deliverance, plays the title role of 'A', also referred to as the Revolutionary in the movie. He is an impassioned, yet disillusioned university student caught in the whirl of political turmoil, engaging in rebellious activities against what he views as an oppressive establishment. Voight’s role represents the quintessential figure of resistance of the era, carrying the load of the narrative with conviction and intensity. As 'A', Voight delivers a performance that engulfs his character's sense of desperation, disillusionment, and his politicized journey.

The movie also embraces the powerful performances of Seymour Cassel and Robert Duvall. Cassel, a profoundly versatile actor known especially for his collaboration with filmmaker John Cassavetes, portrays 'Despard'. Despard is a rebellious, tactical, and experienced figure, who emerges as a mentor to 'A' in his journey away from academia into revolutionary action. Seymour Cassel delivers a calculated and somber performance, portraying a character who believes in the cause, yet is aware of the possible catastrophic consequences of the uprising's actions.

Veteran actor Robert Duvall, best known for his performances in The Godfather series, Apocalypse Now, and The Great Santini, portrays the character 'Jerry'. As Jerry, Duvall maintains a stern and hardened exterior representative of the oppressive establishment against which 'A' and his comrades revolt. His performance is crisp and impactful, underscoring the movie's themes of power, control, and containment.

Directed by Paul Williams, The Revolutionary does not merely present a story; it presents a historical snapshot of the peak of political unrest in America. The screenwriter, Hans Koning, utilizes his pen effectively, oscillating between personal stories and the larger political backdrop. He ensures that the narrative never loses sight of the humanity of its characters, showcasing their private and collective dilemmas.

The technical aspects of the movie also play a pivotal role in constructing the narrative’s sense of urgency. Cinematographer Brian Probyn's work in creating a tense, evocative visual landscape provides the film a stark quality. The often restless camera work and the usage of natural urban surroundings contribute to invoking the emotional turmoil and the conventions of guerilla filmmaking associated with the New Hollywood era. The efficient editing and sound design further this sense of urgency and unsettlement.

The Revolutionary is a stark, raw, and intense political drama. It is not merely a film but a socio-political commentary about a time of ideological conflict, resistance, oppression, and the quest for change. On a deeper level, it is also a human drama that explores characters grappling with moral dilemmas and the cost of their real-world implications.

Moreover, the movie mirrors the political backdrop of the era, focusing on the new wave of dissatisfaction with the establishment that was sweeping across America. It is a film of its time, a reaction piece that urges its audience to reflect upon their own sociopolitical realities. Subplot elements like student activism, wide-ranging protests, police crackdowns, and underground radical movements sketch a vivid picture of a gritty and harsh reality that resonates with the audience, then and now.

While The Revolutionary has a severe tone and takes on complex themes, it does so with finesse and depth. At times grippingly realistic, at others a distressing portrayal, the film manages to convey its narrative with authenticity and urgency. The performances of Jon Voight, Seymour Cassel, and Robert Duvall stand out and imbibe their characters with nuances, making the audience empathize with their struggles while discussing heavier issues surrounding power politics, grassroots activism, and ideological difference.

Notably, The Revolutionary is not your average commercial fare; it is a distinct political drama, quite ahead of its time. It does not attempt to please the viewer with glossed-over realities but rather prods, provokes, and presents them exactly as they are – harsh and uncomfortable. For those who are up for a challenging viewing experience that combines the personal with the political, this film is well worth the watch.