In the Line of Fire (1993, R)

Directed by: Wolfgang Petersen

Grade: B+

Formerly an action star, and then a star/producer/director, Clint Eastwood settled down for a while with in the Line of Fire, a rare movie in which he starred in and yet did not direct.  In his early 60s by the time this movie came out, Eastwood was undeniably far too old for the part, but he performed well, showing most anybody that he was still, if only partway, in the saddle.

For his role in, In the Line of Fire, Eastwood portrayed an aging Secret Service Agent, haunted by his failed attempt at saving the life of President John F. Kennedy.  Eastwood’s by way and large the star of the show, but the captivating acting portrayal isn’t delivered by him, rather, it’s performed by John Malkovich as the near-psychic assassin hell-bent on delivering the United States a mortal blow by taking of the life of the most important man in the country—and having fun with it by toying around with Eastwood’s character.

In the Line of Fire easily could have failed dejectedly, but it actually succeeds skillfully.  There are a few exciting stunts and action sequences, but that’s not what pumps all the adrenaline.  What does is the cat-and-mouse game, taken to new levels, by Eastwood against Malkovich.  The telephone conversations are chilling, the suspense tingling, and the climax unnerving. 

Some things in the film lack sincerity, such as the opening fight scene and a few patches that drag like when Eastwood does nothing either then look mad and play on his piano.  Fortunately, there’s also a thriving romantic subplot and a few sprinkles of humor to keep the project enlightened.

In the Line of Fire has the eminence of being a superbly told action/thriller flick that also connected firmly with audiences.  Though it may be seen as more of a farewell from being the film star by Eastwood, it’s a successful film for director Petersen; though sadly, I must say the quality of his films ran itself downhill following this pic. 

B+