“Man on Fire” (1987) starring Scott Glenn / Z-View

Man on Fire (1987)

Director: Elie Chouraqui

Screenplay:  Elie Chouraqui, Sergio Donati, Fabrice Ziolkowski; based on MAN ON FIRE by A. J. Quinnell.

Stars:  Scott Glenn, Brooke Adams, Danny Aiello, Joe Pesci, Paul Shenar, Jonathan Pryce and Jade Malle.

Tagline: For an ex-CIA agent, the job of bodyguard for a twelve-year old girl should have been a breeze…

The Plot…

Christian Creasy is a burned-out ex-C.I.A. agent. Creasy used to be one of the best.  That was before the deaths that Creasy has seen (and been a part of) as a soldier and C.I.A. agent finally took their toll.

Creasy reluctantly accepts the job of bodyguard for a wealthy Italian family.  His job will be to protect their twelve-year-old Samantha.  By the nature of his job Creasy spends a lot of time with Sam.  Her parents are often too busy, so Creasy takes their role.   As time passes, Sam gets Creasy to drop his tough exterior.

Creasy is gravely wounded during Samantha’s kidnapping.  Despite life-threatening injuries, Creasy knows that every passing hour, makes it less likely Samantha will be returned alive.  Creasy is determined to get her back alive… even if it kills him.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Tony Scott was considered to direct, but ultimately Elie Chouraqui was selected.  Scott would direct the 2004 (and vastly superior) adaptation.  If Scott had made the film in 2007, he hoped to get Marlon Brando or Robert De Niro to star.

Brooke Adams, Danny Aiello, Joe Pesci and Jonathan Pryce get very little screen time.

Man on Fire (1987) clocks in at 92 minutes but seems longer.  The supporting cast could have been put to better use.  Come to think of it so could the stars.

Man on Fire (1987) rates 2 of 5 stars.