As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the gritty underworld of mafia movies, I find myself in awe of the enduring legacy of films like “The Killers.” The theme of loyalty, or rather its lack thereof, is a recurring motif that permeates these stories, and “The Killers” is no exception. It’s fascinating to see how this narrative thread has been woven into the fabric of Hollywood, with characters as diverse as Tony Montana, Henry Hill, and even the Soprano family all grappling with the complexities of loyalty and betrayal.
Frequently overlooked is the fact that Ronald Reagan, who held such an active presidency, had a past as an actor. In reality, his term in politics (1967-1988) was shorter than his career in the entertainment industry (1937-1966). The former president’s journey into show business began at WHO radio, where he provided commentary for Chicago Cubs games. Later, he shifted to California and secured a significant multi-picture contract with Warner Bros., which enabled him to star in an impressive 30 films before joining the military in 1942.
Following the war, Reagan’s reputation flourished, providing him opportunities to engage in film industry ventures with Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, and RKO Pictures. Additionally, his enhanced status within Hollywood paved the way for his election as the President of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG).
In the majority of Ronald Reagan’s acting years, he focused on producing westerns. Yet, before embarking on his political journey as California governor, he opted to end his Hollywood stint with a gangster film. The movie in question was “The Killers” from 1964, a gritty and chilling production directed by Don Siegel that delved into the tormented, lawless minds of the underworld: the cold-hearted, ruthless criminals who would do anything for an extra few dollars.
Reagan’s acting left an indelible impression on spectators, one that lingered even as the stage lights dimmed, and he bid farewell to film enthusiasts. Unlike Schwarzenegger, he did not return to the silver screen. Instead, he remained committed to politics until his twilight years.
Ronald Reagan Is a Ruthless Mob Boss in The Killers
In Ernest Hemingway’s 1927 short story adaptation titled “The Killers“, we follow two professional assassins, Charlie (Lee Marvin) and Lee (Clu Culager), who develop an unusual interest. They had just executed a mysterious man named Johnny, but the unusual high price they were paid suggests that their victim was someone significant. Consequently, they decide to delve deeper into the matter.
The assassins uncover that John was once a professional racecar driver and had a past relationship with Sheila, who was linked to Jack Browning – a ruthless crime boss known for his deep-seated malicious intentions. (Angie Dickinson played Sheila in this scenario.)
In a daring plot, Browning conceived the plan to steal $1 million from an American postal truck. This idea was seconded by Sheila who proposed her secret partner as the escape driver. However, Johnny made a hasty decision to grab his only opportunity at riches and took off with the money. Being a shrewd crime lord, Browning traced him down and attempted to end his life, but instead hit him in the leg. Concerned that Johnny might retaliate, Browning engaged Charlie and Lee to eliminate him. As a result, Charlie and Lee went to see Johnny.
The Killers Has All the Genre’s Necessary Ingredients
In vibrant, colorful photographs capturing the luxuriant charm of suburban California, Don Siegel imbues The Killers with a tender veil of nostalgia and wealth, heightening its emotional impact. As a filmmaker, Siegel had a knack for making efficient, detached films, but it was with this project that he truly found his direction, understanding what aspects to emphasize in his future works.
It’s quite unusual that this film isn’t often brought up when discussing top gangster movies. However, it undeniably carries the distinctive features of a timeless work within the genre.
Take the usual “mobster with the unhappy wife/girlfriend” plot as an example. The trope is present in The Godfather (Michael constantly argues with Kay), Scarface (Tony and Elviria’s marriage quickly crumbles), Goodfellas (Karen even points a gun at Henry), Casino (Ginger is ungovernable), and The Sopranos (Carmela revenge-cheats on Tony) among many other great offerings.
As a movie critic, I found myself deeply immersed in a world where loyalty seems to be in short supply, save for our protagonists Johnny and Sheila. It appears that everyone else in this story is quick to betray, making their actions as sharp and unexpected as the knife they might wield behind closed doors.
“I approve of larceny; homicide is against my principles.”
Although Reagan’s character speaks those lines in The Killers, the chaotic, everyone-versus-everyone ending has left an indelible mark on Hollywood. This is evident in the numerous instances where Quentin Tarantino has drawn inspiration from it, to the point that such a scene is now synonymous with his style. Notable examples can be found in Reservoir Dogs and The Hateful Eight. Furthermore, similarities between the two hitmen in The Killers and the characters Jules and Vince from Pulp Fiction can also be observed.
…but Reagan Hated It
As good as The Killer is, Ronald Reagan saw it as a stain on his resume. It was the odd-duck performance of his illustrious career and a far cry from his humble cowboy stint.
During his entire career in Hollywood, he only portrayed heroic characters and saw himself as one. The idea of playing a villain made him uncomfortable, particularly when his opponents used this during their campaign to question his morals. Originally planned for an NBC television movie, the gangster film was so violent and sensual that NBC declined it. As a result, Universal Pictures decided to release it in theaters instead.
It’s uncertain why Reagan agreed to act in the film, but it’s safe to assume his ambition to regain his former success played a role. Prior to this, he hadn’t taken on any significant movie roles for six years – a stark difference from his early acting career where he starred in approximately three films per year. While he did secure some guest appearances on television, these roles were far from noteworthy. With director Don Siegel extending an offer, he had no choice but to accept.
After viewing it, fans of the genre will undeniably appreciate that the former President had nothing to hide about his actions. “The Killers” is a timeless masterpiece, a riveting tale of organized crime that deserves eternal admiration. The movie doesn’t shy away from the dark and shocking scenes of unimaginable horror or senseless violence, yet Siegel skillfully executes these elements with such intelligence and conviction that it’s hard not to be drawn into this world of crime. Don’t let it slip under your radar without experiencing it.
The Killers
is available to buy in the US on Amazon
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2024-09-29 21:31