Eddie Coyle is a stand up sort of a guy. 
He did some jobs for some shady guys. Now he has a problem and cant turn anywhere. He has to go for sentancing and wants to get out of it. The key could lay in his gun running but that might just create more problems for him. You see a gang have been holding up banksa nd he has given them the arms to do it. This might blow back on to him if they decide to turn nasty and the punk who supplies it might talk if pushed too hard…
Like all great crime films, you need to have a heart. This heart must beat and it must do so in a way that is both motivated and rhythmically. The heart of this film is one of Hollywoods great film actors, Robert Mitchum. He gives composure, compassion and motivation to a guy that could be seen as a scumbag. In fact the whole cast is extra ordinary. The direction by Yates is controlled and adds tension and detail to a difficult plot. He also shows apt restraint in the action scenes. Conversation is well held and the characters feel like people. The best part of the mix is that tension though. It builds and ebbs like a river in flood. When you have it broken in the 2nd acts finale, it will leave you tense and a nervous wreck. Overall a gem…
The transfer on the Blu ray looks good. The print has damage which will not be resolved but overall it looks clean and fresh. The score comes to life and is stunning in many ways. The documentary is also well worth checking out. Simply for its insight and command of topic. I feel that this is an understated gem and one that has found its feet again after years in the shade.
- Restored, high-definition digital transfer
- Uncompressed monaural sound on the Blu-ray
- A new video appreciation of the film by critic Glenn Kenny
- A 1996 career-spanning on-stage interview with Peter Yates hosted by critic Derek Malcolm
- English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
- 44-PAGE BOOKLET featuring a new essay on the film by critic Mike Sutton; an extensive interview with Yates, and archival images
