The Hunting Party is a 1971 movie directed by Don Medford.
WHAT HAPPENS?
A rancher hunts down the men who kidnapped his wife using long-range rifles.
ONE LINE REVIEW
The Hunting Party features a superb cast of actors but the true star of the movie are a collection of long-range rifles.
THE ACTORS
The impressive cast is highlighted by Gene Hackman’s impossibly callous and vicious Brandt. His hunting trip is interrupted by his wife’s kidnapping – which leads to Reed’s crew of bandits becoming human prey. Hackman is dangerous and vile in his treatment of women – associating his wife with property. It’s a cold, cruel role and Hackman delivers.
Reed’s presence is felt throughout the movie, although physically he appears miscast as outlaw Frank Calder. His role suggests a tenderness but is lost in a series of disjointed scenes. Similarly, Candice Bergen’s Melissa is a confusing role. While she expertly conveys her character’s anger and grief, the motives are never clear.
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