Burt Reynolds gets to create his own "Dirty Harry" type of role in this Atlanta-set picture. Based on the William Diehl novel, it stars Burt as Tom Sharky, a narcotics detective who switches to the vice department after a bust goes bad. He soon develops an interest in taking down underworld kingpin Victor Scorelli (Vittorio Gassman), although his *real* interest is in Dominoe (Rachel Ward), one of Scorellis' $1000 a night hookers.
Although burdened by some bad dialogue and a script that's not always that compelling, "Sharky's Machine" makes for a decent viewing. The storytelling isn't that tight; although the film runs just over two hours, it feels longer. But all things considered, "Sharky's Machine" does have its pleasures. Burt does a passable job as both director and actor; he dials down his charisma to play his part with a grim seriousness. Ward has some appeal, and certainly is desirable. One does understand how Sharky could develop an obsession with this woman.
Two things really stand out here. One is the jazz score (more "Dirty Harry" influence) with a number of genre greats playing on the soundtrack. Another is Burts' truly excellent supporting cast. Brian Keith, Charles Durning, Earl Holliman, Bernie Casey (whose predilection for Zen philosophy is amusing), Richard Libertini, Darryl Hickman, Joseph Mascolo, Carol Locatell, Hari Rhodes, John Fiedler, and James O'Connell co-star, but it's Henry Silva who tends to steal the show as Scorellis' unhinged, drug abusing brother Billy. Diehl himself plays the role of Percy.
It must be said that the opening tracking shot is extremely impressive, as it starts out as an aerial shot of the city that eventually finds Reynolds as he is walking his way towards an undercover operation.
Although slowly paced, the narrative eventually culminates in an effective little bloodbath, as one character proves incredibly difficult to take down.
If you're anything like this viewer, the overall sleazy tone shouldn't bother you.
Six out of 10.
Although burdened by some bad dialogue and a script that's not always that compelling, "Sharky's Machine" makes for a decent viewing. The storytelling isn't that tight; although the film runs just over two hours, it feels longer. But all things considered, "Sharky's Machine" does have its pleasures. Burt does a passable job as both director and actor; he dials down his charisma to play his part with a grim seriousness. Ward has some appeal, and certainly is desirable. One does understand how Sharky could develop an obsession with this woman.
Two things really stand out here. One is the jazz score (more "Dirty Harry" influence) with a number of genre greats playing on the soundtrack. Another is Burts' truly excellent supporting cast. Brian Keith, Charles Durning, Earl Holliman, Bernie Casey (whose predilection for Zen philosophy is amusing), Richard Libertini, Darryl Hickman, Joseph Mascolo, Carol Locatell, Hari Rhodes, John Fiedler, and James O'Connell co-star, but it's Henry Silva who tends to steal the show as Scorellis' unhinged, drug abusing brother Billy. Diehl himself plays the role of Percy.
It must be said that the opening tracking shot is extremely impressive, as it starts out as an aerial shot of the city that eventually finds Reynolds as he is walking his way towards an undercover operation.
Although slowly paced, the narrative eventually culminates in an effective little bloodbath, as one character proves incredibly difficult to take down.
If you're anything like this viewer, the overall sleazy tone shouldn't bother you.
Six out of 10.