An Israeli anti-terrorist agent hunts down terrorists who have teamed with a disgruntled Vietnam veteran to launch an attack at the Super Bowl...
One of the great things about a service like Netflix (or Amazon Prime for that matter) is that you often uncover films that for whatever reason seem to be overlooked when it comes to DVD or Blu-Ray release. Such was the case with Black Sunday. I have seen it before, but not for a long time and was really impressed with it. Watching it again, it is still a gripping thriller.
Based on the novel by Thomas Harris (the creator of Hannibal Lecter), the film was made in the 1970's when there were a number of political thriller films being made. One of the key things about most of them, Black Sunday included is that not only did they take their time telling their stories and allow the tension to grip tighter but they also credited the audience with some intelligence, which it has to be said is a rare thing these days, especially in most modern action thrillers. To that end, the script from Ernest Lehman, Kenneth Ross and Ivan Moffat is a very good one.The story for the film is well put together, helped of course coming from a terrific novel, but what elevates the film is how the characters act. They have no hesitation in killing innocent people if it suits their needs. The one time someone hesitates, has repercussions later on in the story. Because the film takes its time with the story, we get to see some of what motivates Lander and why he feels the US needs to suffer. I suspect if this film were made now, some of these little details might be lost which would be a shame as they add depth to the characters and story.
The cast are first rate. Robert Shaw is terrific as Kabakov, the Israeli agent hunting the terrorists down. There is strong support from Bruce Dern as Lander, the Vet who has created the plan and Marthe Keller as Dahlia the woman from the terrorist group helping Lander with his plan.
The film is brilliantly directed by John Frankenheimer. Frankenheimer directed a number of classic films, including the likes of The Manchurian Candidate, Birdman Of Alcatraz, The Train, right up to one of his last films, Ronin. Yet despite this, I sometimes get the feeling he is overlooked when considering great directors. A shame really as when he is at his best, he is very, very good indeed. He stages an impressive foot chase on the streets of Florida, a gripping opening as an Israeli counter terrorist group stage raid and during the gripping tense finale as Lander attempts his plan to attack the Super Bowl. The film features an impressive if overlooked score from John Williams and is very well shot by director of photography John A. Alonzo.
So with all this going for it,why does the film appear to be overlooked or perhaps forgotten these days?I suspect the main reason might be the political aspect of the story, as it involves Israeli agents battling Arab terrorists. As a result it might be deemed or considered too controversial these days, which is a shame.
If you have never seen it, Black Sunday is well worth your time. Gripping all the way through with a truly impressive climax, it is one of the best thrillers from the 1970's.
(Be advised, the trailer does reveal a lot of story points)
Rating - 9/10
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