by Jon Partridge
Olive Films continues their efforts to bring independent, foreign, and classic films back to your screens with the release of 1988’s Messenger of Death. Starring Charles Bronson (The Magnificent Seven, Death Wish), it marked one of his final films with frequent collaborator, director J. Lee Thompson, and was the adaptation of the Rex Burns novel The Avenging Angel.
Bronson plays Garret Smith, a reporter intent on uncovering the truth behind a mass murder on a farm which left the wives and children of local Mormon Orville Beecham (Charles Dierkop) dead. His investigations first point the finger at religious extremism and warring Mormon clans, Beecham’s estranged brother being a likely culprit, but he soon starts to uncover a deeper conspiracy that hints at political corruption and underhanded business practices in the wider Colorado area.
Messenger of Death starts as a somewhat harrowing murder mystery tale but evolves (with varying degrees of success) into a conspiracy and political corruption thriller. Bronson’s “Garr,” poised at the crossroads of Colorado’s journalistic, police, and political offices, uses these connections, driven by his need for justice to uncover the truth behind the brutal murders that open the film. It’s a very convenient position for the character to be in, but Bronson’s every-man charm helps you overlook it. The investigation brings in new faces, uncovering a trail which is interspersed with more lively moments of religious fervor, a shootout, and a somewhat hysterically choreographed chase/car vs. trucks scene that technically is rather impressive.
The film is very much a product of it’s age, the hairstyles of the female cast members confirm this more than anything else. It’s an old school thriller that veers close to the cheesy and ridiculous on occasion. Intrusive music undercutting some genuinely harrowing moments. It plays out like something of a episode of Colombo taking on the plot of Chinatown. Watching a quietly spoken man, go about uncovering the truth behind a murder encountering a multitude of characters who may or may not be involved. Only here Peter Falk goes off the rails and unleashes justice with a shotgun and his fists. That said, fans of Bronson will find much to appreciate and the film does impress at times in terms of setting (Colorado used to full effect) and some notable action sequences.
THE PACKAGEThe transfer is of good quality. There is a light grainy fuzz, noticeable in outdoor daytime scenes and a few scratches from print source show on occasion but nothing to harm the viewing experience. Colors are deep and the vistas of Colorado show off nicely. Considering the age and limited availability of the film, it’s a surprisingly solid picture quality.
Extras are limited to just the theatrical trailer.
THE BOTTOM LINEMessenger of Death is a solid, old-school thriller. The journey of the central character requires a little suspension of belief, but Bronson’s grit and determination see you through. Coupled to some well used Colorado vistas, smart action, and a top quality Blu-ray transfer, it’s worth checking out.
Messenger of Death is released on 27th October and is available from Olive Films.