“The Evil That Men Do”-A Review of one of the Great Years in American Cinema
30 Years On: 1984 – A Great Year for Movie
“The Evil That Men Do” is a film that emerged towards the end of the eventful summer of 1984, making way for the Fall’s Oscar-worthy movies. Directed by J. Lee Thompson, who once reached great heights with an Academy Award nomination for “The Guns of Navarone” and the classic thriller “Cape Fear,” found himself working on revenge dramas for Cannon Films in the twilight of his career. The film stars the legendary Charles Bronson, an actor who was once a big name in the industry but has become somewhat forgotten by the current generation of movie fans.
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By 1984, Charles Bronson was past his prime for the action roles he was famous for, but his international popularity allowed him to help smaller studios sell their movies overseas. “The Evil That Men Do” tells a dark tale of revenge with an innovative twist. Bronson’s character, Holland, is a retired black ops expert hired to eliminate a merciless doctor named Dr. Clement Molloch, played by Joseph Mayer. Molloch is a sinister figure who teaches torture techniques to oppressive leaders in third-world countries.
The film sets up the story with an intense scene where Molloch conducts a seminar on torture, revealing the banal evil behind his calm demeanor. This sequence is brutal and shocking, leaving viewers with a strong desire to see Bronson’s character take justice into his own hands.
“The Evil That Men Do” also introduces Academy Award-winning actor José Ferrer as Dr. Hector Lomelin, who recruits Holland for the mission. Lomelin arranges a cover for Holland, posing as a family man with a woman (played by Theresa Saldana) and her daughter. However, the plan takes unexpected turns as Holland begins his pursuit of Molloch.
The film includes some political undertones, touching on the involvement of the U.S. government with certain unsavory figures in Central and South America. As the story progresses, Holland faces challenges from forces associated with the American consulate.
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“The Evil That Men Do” ultimately culminates in a violent and satisfying showdown, with Holland seeking vengeance for Molloch’s atrocities. While the film’s execution may not be perfect, Charles Bronson’s presence and charisma still shine through, despite his age. His portrayal of a weathered yet dangerous protagonist adds depth to the otherwise typical action film.
Charles Bronson’s career once saw him starring in iconic films like “The Magnificent Seven,” “The Dirty Dozen,” and “Once Upon a Time in the West.” While “The Evil That Men Do” may not be among those classics, it still deserves recognition for what it offers.
In conclusion, 1984 was a great year for movies, and “The Evil That Men Do” contributes to the diverse range of films that captivated audiences during that time. Whether you are a fan of Charles Bronson or not, this revenge drama offers enough intrigue to be worth a watch, even if it might not become a timeless classic.
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