Jason Statham was cast in the revamped and updated versions of this 1972 Michael Winner Film. I fould have figured Javier Bardem or Benecio Del Toro, but what do I know? One thing I know for sure, the original felt more realistic than the over-the-top remake.
Arthur Bishop (Charles Bronson) works for a mysterious organization conveniently known as...well, the organization. He is a mechanic, a fixer, or as the profession is more commonly known, a hitman. With his health failing, he takes on an understudy, Steve McKenna (Jan-Michael Vincent), the son of a recently deceased associate.
Arthur has a meticulous approach to his work, thoroughly studying his targets before concocting elaborate plans to make the hits look like accidents or natural causes. He teaches his young apprentice the nuance of their profession. The duo complete several jobs before being dispatched to a job in Italy that is actually a set-up. The pair work together, while remaining suspicious of each other right until the end.
Having the benefit of seeing this classic script rewritten and updated to 21st Century technology, I must say that the original was better. The characters and plot seemed to be more carefully crafted, with personalities and motives that make more sense. The remake changed the dynamics, taking away some of the essence of the characters in the process. Both scripts are solid, with this one moving at a slower pace, but delivering greater credibility. There were a few continuity issues (like shotguns that sound like pistols and never run out of bullets), but the story was solid.
Charles Bronson as a hitman? Now there is a stretch. Cold and aloof, calculating, tough, that is the essence of Charles Bronson in every role I recall. It was a perfect fit. Jan-Michael Vincent was solid as Steve McKenna, although I liked Ben Foster better in the role in the 2011 remake. Bronson and Vincent worked well together.
The Mechanic was rated PG. Unlike the remake, this verion does not use graphic gratuitous sex and violence to spice things up. It broods a bit more, with heavy stretches of soundtrack taking the place of dialogue and over-the-top visual effects. While this film is about a hitman, it is handled with minimal gore and surprisingly little violence.
While I like this version better, both films deserve ratings in the 6 range. I would give this one the nod, but it wasn't quite "highly recommended" material for me. The sluggish pacing lends greater credibility to the film, but does bog down at times. The dialogue was campy, as one would expect from a 1972 film. This version has a more believable story, with characters who have motives that make sense. If you like the remake, you are bound to enjoy the original. 6.5/10.
