I hadn't expected much coming in. This has never been rated highly in the Newman or Huston cannons. Yet I was sucked in and remained so for the entire film. If you're expecting slam-bang action, you will be disappointed. What you get is a tense low-key drama, reminiscent to me of "The Spy Who Came In From The Cold". Yes, I figured out pretty quickly Newman's role in the plot (Giveaway: the use of the accent). Even so, I was intrigued and followed it intently. It is very well acted by several good actors (Newman, Sanda, the inimitable James Mason, the "Spy" holdover Michael Hordern.) The violence is brutal, especially Newman's beating. The ending seemed appropriate in there are no clear answers or solutions, simply what is. Very much recommended.
Review of The MacKintosh Man
