THE PRESIDIO
US, 1987, 97 minutes, Colour.
Sean Connery, Meg Ryan, Mark Harmon, Jack Warden.
Directed by Peter Hyams.
The Presidio is an effective action thriller set in interesting San Francisco locations. It also mixes human relationship stories. Director is Peter Hyams (Capricorn One, Outland as well as thrillers like Busting, Running Scared). He also acts as his own director of photography. There are initial car chases, running chases as well as a final spectacular shoot-out - perhaps veering towards over the top. However, the film's strength is in the presence of Sean Connery as the provost marshall of the Presidio. The hero is television star Mark Harmon. Meg Ryan is Connery's daughter. There is a very good supporting performance from Jack Warden.
The film is a murder mystery, a robbery conspiracy thriller as well as a comment about the effect of the Vietnam war on its veterans.
1.Enjoyable mixture of action, mystery, Vietnam veterans, human relationships - in a San Francisco setting?
2.The use of San Francisco, the streets, the chases, the shootouts? The Presidio itself? Peter Hyams and his work? Musical score?
3.The title, a landmark in San Francisco, the military atmosphere, the contrast with the police? The law and the various jurisdictions? The opening with the Presidio?
4.The initial crime, the military, the car chase, the intervention of the provost marshall, of the police? The details of investigation and jurisdictions?
5.Caldwell and Austin and their clash, the history and explanation of the clash, Austin explaining it to Donna, Caldwell explaining it to Donna and discussing it with MacLure?
6.Sean Connery as Caldwell: his army style, the Scot migrant, loyalty to the United States, his admiration of the United States, his service in Vietnam, being saved by MacLure? His strong attitude towards law and duty? The clash with Jay and his behaviour? His having information about Lawrence, going to visit him, ballistics, the visit to Peel and the Saigon coasters, wanting the proper channels, his reaction to Lawrence's death? His going to see MacLure?, the children in the museum and his praise of MacLure?
7.Donna, relationship with her father, contract with him, the clashes, the memory of the wife and her suicide, his expectations on her, clothes, outings, going with Austin? Choosing the man for her to marry, the dance, her behaviour and being provocative, Austin and the fight? His drinking, talking with MacLure? on the roof, his advice?
8.Austin and his big mouth, his work, the past military experience, feeling that it was unjust, the grudge towards Lawrence, co-operating with Caldwell, the visit to Lawrence and his threats, ballistics, the car chase, chasing Lawrence through Chinatown, his death, Peel and the interrogation?
9........ with Donna, attraction, going out with her, discussions, sexual relationship? The dance, the fight, her change of heart and visit to his apartment? Their future?
10.The emergence of the conspiracy? Peel and his associate, the firm with the water, Caldwell and Austin following, the murderer and the gun, seeing MacLure? arrive, the diamonds, MacLure? and his dance, the shootout?
11.MacLure, his experience in Vietnam, his medal, easier to win it than wear it, in the museum, Lawrence's hold over him, his participation in the conspiracy, his reaction against the murders, wanting to make things right, getting the gun for Caldwell as he died?
12.Peel, the CIA background, Vietnam, conspiracies? Smart businessman?
13.The funeral, Caldwell's speech, tribute to MacLure?, his tears, inviting Donna and Austin to walk with him?
14.The exploration of human relationships? Questions of Vietnam, the effect on the military, their return to the United States? Combination of action and human relationships?
