SKI RAIDERS (SNOW JOB)

US, 1972, 90 minutes, Colour.
Jean- Claude Killy, Daniele Gaubert, Cliff Potts, Vittorio de Sica, Delia Boccardo, Umberto D'Orsi.
Directed by George Englund.

This film is a star vehicle for skiing champion, Jean- Claude Killy. He is a thief, searching for money, pursued in mountainous territory – which gives the opportunity for a basic crime thriller plot as well as plenty of examples of skiing in beautiful locations. The film was directed by George Englund, better known as a producer (Shoes of the Fisherman, See How She Runs) who directed only eight feature films, the most prominent of which was his first film, The Ugly American, with Marlon Brando.

1. How enjoyable a thriller? Robbery background, doublecrossing plot? The ski background?

2. The appropriateness of the title? The original American title was 'The Snow Job'. Is this a better title?

3. The impact of the introduction, the colour and Panavision setting of the snow, the atmosphere of the ski resort?

4. The importance of having a skiing champion as the star? His personality and acting capacities? His skiing techniques and their utilization in the film?

5. Comment on the plot and the intricacies. The details of the planning, the personalities involved, the rehearsal and robbery itself? The detail and the twist?

6. How important were the characters for this film? Christian and his planning? His relationship with Monica? With Bob? His doublecrossing them? The importance of the character interaction during the robbery?

7. The character of Dolph? His work as an insurance investigator? His personality? His stealing the money? The revelation at the end?

8. Why do such robbery films appeal?

9. The value of the twist at the end?

10. How conventional a thriller?