Sydney Pollack directs Robert Redford, Faye Dunaway and Max Von Sydow in this paranoid conspiracy thriller where a book-ish intelligence analyst finds himself framed when his station is massacred.

It might not have the daredevil stunt work of The Fugitive, nor the inescapable moments of pure dread of Marathon Man but this “man on the run” thriller is mighty enjoyable. The cold Christmas setting adds to the paranoia, everyone is going about the festive business while our hero’s options narrow proves a creepy juxtaposition. Redford is quite quirky in this. He’s not a company man, nor a man of action which makes his desperate attempts to not be framed or “tied off” by forces he doesn’t understand utterly gripping. Sydow is also excellent value as the casually resigned hitman who instigates the chase. Top notch entertainment.

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