The Osterman Weekend (1983)

Director: Sam Peckinpah

Starring: Rutger Hauer, John Hurt, Craig T. Nelson, Meg Foster,

During the Cold War, a controversial television journalist is asked by the C.I.A. to persuade certain acquaintances, who are Soviet Agents of the Omega network, to defect.

‘The Osterman Weekend’ can (initially) easily be confused for a soft-porn movie, if it wasn’t for the all-star veteran cast. Every single actress (except Meg Foster) reveal more than they probably should have, and the film looks more like the director’s fantasy coming to life. I mean, there are boobs everywhere!

The film then tries to sell us a highly unlikely premise that doesn’t make much sense. The set-up is about one man’s vengeance (played by John Hurt), but why go through all the trouble if all he wants to do is kill them anyway? Why spend all that money on surveillance, when his main concern isn’t to see or hear what they’re up to? He just wants them all together, doesn’t he? Then again, him being able to see them wherever they go does add to the suspense. So, even if it doesn’t make sense, it plays a pivotal role in how the film is viewed.

Despite numerous flaws and more questions than answers, the final act is rather exciting. It becomes an exhilarating, action-packed, fast-paced suspense thriller. That in itself makes the film worth watching.

Would I watch it again? Probably, yes, after a while.