The Hit (#469)

Terence Stamp is Willie, a gangster’s henchman turned “supergrass” (informer) trying to hide out peacefully in a remote Spanish village. Sun-dappled bliss turns to nerve-racking suspense, however, when two hit men—one soulless (John Hurt) and one a loose cannon (a youthful Tim Roth)—come calling to bring Willie back for execution. This stylish early gem from Stephen Frears boasts terrific hard-boiled performances from a roster of England’s best actors, music by Eric Clapton and virtuoso flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía, and ravishing photography of its desolate Spanish locations—a splendid backdrop for a rather sordid story.

DIRECTOR-APPROVED SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES

Blu-ray: Restored 2K digital transfer, approved by director of photography Mike Molloy, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack

DVD: High-definition digital restoration

Audio commentary from 2009 featuring director Stephen Frears, actors John Hurt and Tim Roth, screenwriter Peter Prince, and editor Mick Audsley

Interview from 1988 with actor Terence Stamp from the television show Parkinson One-to-One

Trailer

English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing

 

PLUS: An essay by film critic Graham Fuller