The Mechanic Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A lonely hitman teaches a young guy how to kill people, but it turns out the young guy is also paid to kill the hitman, and then everyone explodes.

🍿 The Mechanic: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Arthur Bishop

Arthur Bishop (Charles Bronson) is a highly skilled and methodical hitman, known in his profession as a “mechanic”. He meticulously plans each hit to appear accidental, ensuring no trace is left behind. The film opens with a detailed, dialogue-free sequence showcasing Bishop’s meticulous planning and execution of a hit, setting the tone for his cold and calculating approach.

Mentoring Steve McKenna

Bishop is contracted to eliminate Harry McKenna (Keenan Wynn), an old friend of his father. After carrying out the hit, Bishop encounters Harry’s son, Steve (Jan-Michael Vincent), a callous and ambitious young man. Seeing potential in Steve, Bishop decides to mentor him, teaching him the trade and techniques of a professional assassin. This decision puts Bishop at odds with the “Organization” he works for, as he failed to get their approval.

Training and a Messy Job

Bishop trains Steve, imparting his knowledge of meticulous planning and execution. Their partnership is tested during a multi-target hit, where one target escapes, leading to a chaotic motorcycle chase. The messiness of the job displeases Bishop’s employers, further complicating his relationship with the Organization. This event highlights the differing approaches of the seasoned Bishop and the impulsive Steve.

Betrayal in Naples

The Organization assigns Bishop and Steve to a new hit in Naples. However, Bishop discovers that Steve has taken a contract to kill him. Despite this knowledge, Bishop proceeds with the Naples mission, using it as an opportunity to test Steve and set a trap. Bishop confronts Steve regarding this betrayal and the consequences which follow.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Arthur Bishop (Charles Bronson): A meticulous and aging professional hitman who takes on a young apprentice, only to find himself betrayed.
• Steve McKenna (Jan-Michael Vincent): A cocky and ambitious young man who becomes Arthur Bishop’s apprentice, but harbors his own treacherous agenda.
• Harry McKenna (Keenan Wynn): A former friend of Arthur’s father and a fixer for the Organization, who becomes Bishop’s target.
• The Man (Frank DeKova): A high-ranking member of the Organization, representing the authority and rules that Bishop violates.
• The Girl (Jill Ireland): A high-priced prostitute hired by Bishop to fulfill his emotional needs through role-playing.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Arthur Bishop: “Murder is killing without a license. Everybody kills.” – Bishop explains his view on morality and the nature of his profession to Steve.
• Arthur Bishop: “You’ve got to be dead sure, or dead.” – Bishop gives Steve practical advice about the importance of certainty when planning a hit.
• Steve McKenna: “See Naples and die.” – Steve mockingly tells Bishop this when revealing that he has poisoned him and is about to take over his life.
• Arthur Bishop: “Steve, if you read this, it means I didn’t make it back. It also means you’ve broken a filament controlling a 13-second delay trigger. End of game. Bang! You’re dead.” – Bishop’s posthumous message revealing his final act of revenge and the trap he set for Steve.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Mechanic Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie as a kid and being completely blown away by the ending. The way Bronson’s character planned for every contingency, even his own death, was just genius. The film has a cold, calculated feel that perfectly matches the world of a professional hitman. I also loved the scenes in Naples, Italy – those locations really added to the suspense and atmosphere of the film. It is a total classic action-thriller, one that keeps you guessing till the final seconds!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Charles Bronson”
  • “Viewers interested in classic 1970s crime thrillers”
  • “Those who appreciate movies with intricate plot twists”
  • “People who enjoy films with a strong emphasis on character and motivation”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Suicide attempt”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• Chicago Sun-Times: “Bronson is ice-cold perfection as a hitman whose world unravels when he takes on a protégé. The action is brutal, and the ending is a classic twist. This is Winner’s best work and a must-see for action fans.
• Variety: “Michael Winner directs a gripping, suspenseful thriller with Charles Bronson at his stoic best. Jan-Michael Vincent provides a compelling counterpoint, and the Naples locations add an exotic flavor. The action sequences are sharp and well-executed.
• The New York Times: “While boasting some suspenseful set pieces, ‘The Mechanic’ suffers from underdeveloped characters and a predictable plot. Bronson delivers his usual tough-guy performance, but the film lacks the depth to make it truly memorable.

Audience Reactions

The ending is totally unexpected and mind-blowing!: Viewers love the twist ending and the feeling of being completely surprised.

Bronson is at his best, a true, ruthless action star.: Bronson’s performance is highly praised for its cool and calculated style.

The motorcycle chase scene is epic!: Action sequences are thrilling, especially the motorcycle chase.

Overall Consensus: A classic action thriller with a killer twist, Bronson’s performance and suspenseful plot keep viewers engaged.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The opening sequence, depicting Arthur Bishop meticulously planning and executing a hit, is almost entirely without dialogue, showcasing the character’s professionalism and cold efficiency.”
• “Lewis John Carlino originally conceived the story with homosexual undertones in the relationship between Bishop and McKenna, but these elements were removed during production.”
• “Charles Bronson reportedly disliked Jan-Michael Vincent, which may have contributed to the on-screen tension between their characters.”
• “The film features several impressive action sequences, including a motorcycle chase and a car chase along the Amalfi Coast in Italy.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Mechanic?

As of October 2024, “The Mechanic” (1972) is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for streaming availability and rental or purchase prices.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Mechanic, you might like these similar films:

• Le Samouraï (1967): Shares a similar theme of a solitary, meticulous hitman with a strict code of conduct, emphasizing the psychological aspects of the profession.
• Get Carter (1971): A gritty British crime thriller from the same era featuring a ruthless protagonist and a dark, unforgiving atmosphere.
• Collateral (2004): A modern thriller featuring a hitman who takes a taxi driver under his wing for one night, showcasing the cold and calculated nature of contract killing.
• Leon: The Professional (1994): Features a professional hitman who reluctantly takes on a young apprentice, creating a unique and compelling relationship amidst a violent world.
• Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999): Jim Jarmusch movie about a mafia hitman who follows the code of the Samurai.

🛒 The Mechanic Related Products

• The Mechanic [Blu-ray]: Experience ‘The Mechanic’ in high definition. The Blu-ray edition offers enhanced picture and sound quality, bringing the action and suspense to life.
• The Mechanic (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Audio CD]: Relive the film’s tense moments with Jerry Fielding’s atmospheric score. This soundtrack captures the mood and intensity of the movie, enhancing the viewing experience.
• Charles Bronson: Action Star Collection [DVD]: A compilation of Charles Bronson’s greatest action roles. This collection lets fans delve deeper into his career and enjoy hours of classic action.
• The Mechanic (2011) [Streaming Digital]: See the remake starring Jason Statham. Compare the original with a more modern movie take.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Mechanic features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “String Quartet Op.18 No.6 (2nd Movement)” – performed by Ludwig van Beethoven
• “The Mechanic – Main Theme” – performed by Jerry Fielding

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Charles Bronson – THE MECHANIC – Ending (spoilers)

Ever wondered what *really* happened at the end of ‘The Mechanic’? This video breaks it all down! Honestly, the ending is pretty wild and unexpected, you gotta see this explanation.

✨ Rate