The Fugitive

Andrew Davis, USA, 1993, 130 minutes

Gripping action thriller based on the emmy-winning TV series of the 60s. Harrison Ford is Chicago surgeon Richard Kimble escaping death row for his wife's murder, and relentlessly hunted by deputy marshal Samuel Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones), who cares not that Kimble might be innocent. The good doctor in turn pursues his own quarry - the mysterious one-armed man he claims is the real killer.

Davis manages a thrilling blend of comic book heroics and strong characterisation. The cat and mouse hold mutual respect, with Gerard's ruthless professionalism matched by Kimble's stolid determination. The story pulls up a bit short but is redeemed by such scenes as the bus crash on the rail track, the precipitous reservoir; and the glass door chase during the St. Patrick's Day parade. Chicago was never so well scripted, and its vertiginous skyscape is brilliantly integrated through photography, sound and editing (so too are the murder flashbacks) Jeroen Krabbé excels as Kimble's suave and shady ally, James Newton Howard supplies another fine score and Tommy Lee Jones takes best supporting oscar.

Review by Gio MacDonald
Taken from EUFS Programme 1994-95