The Hitcher (1986)

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The Hitcher (1986)

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A young man transporting a car to another state is stalked along the road by a cunning and relentless serial killer who eventually frames the driver for a string of murders. Chased by police and shadowed by the killer, the driver's only help comes from a truck stop waitress.

A masterpiece of a psychological thriller that is both highly entertaining and deeply disturbing.

There are three key pieces that make this movie work. The first is that the action, while often unrealistic in its depiction of events, serves to move the story and character development forward. In an era that witnessed the true beginning of action for the sake of action, this movie was a revelation that a director can use action for something other than just distracting the audience.

The second critical success factor is the subtext of what the characters represent. Jim Halsey represents logic and good, John Ryder represents mayhem and evil and Nash represents innocence. Without spoiling the plot, this dichotomy, and its ultimate resolution, is the real underlying story and Eric Red's telling of it is mesmerizing.

The final component is Rutger Hauer's brilliant and truly frightening performance. It's frightening not because he plays his role as some despicable delinquent personality, but because he is strangely likable and familiar. Regardless of how much you might not want to, it is easy to relate to him and it is that property that makes Hauer's performance such a harrowing manifestation of evil. If Norman Bates was the everyman killer lurking next door, then John Ryder is the everyman killer lurking inside you.

Wrap this all up in hauntingly beautiful cinematography, shot against the stunning but desolate backdrop of west Texas, with a nuanced score and you have a great movie. If you love thrillers that leave an impression and make you think, then don't miss this movie.

IMDB

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The Hitcher (1986)

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The Hitcher (1986)

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The Hitcher (1986)

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Cast:
Rutger Hauer … John Ryder
C. Thomas Howell … Jim Halsey
Jennifer Jason Leigh … Nash
Jeffrey DeMunn … Captain Esteridge
John M. Jackson … Sergeant Starr (as John Jackson)
Billy Green Bush … Trooper Donner (as Billy Greenbush)
Jack Thibeau … Trooper Prestone
Armin Shimerman … Interrogation Sergeant

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