The story kicks off in a deceptively quiet Dallas suburb. Walter Lloyd (Hackman) is a seemingly ordinary lumberyard manager. His son, Chris (Dillon), views him as a "stodgy," overly cautious parent—a typical generational divide.
Are you interested in more or perhaps other films from director Arthur Penn ? Target (1985) - IMDb Target (1985)
Unlike many modern "retired agent" films (think Taken ), Target spends significant time on the emotional fallout between father and son. Chris has to reconcile the boring dad he knew with the cold-blooded professional he sees in action. The story kicks off in a deceptively quiet Dallas suburb
Directed by the legendary ( Bonnie and Clyde ) and starring Gene Hackman and Matt Dillon , Target remains one of the more "unsung" efforts of the decade—and it’s high time for a rewatch. The Hook: A Double Life Revealed Are you interested in more or perhaps other
Critics often note that it’s always fun to watch Hackman "at his best," and here he brings a weary, human quality to the action hero archetype.
Its script—revolving around a family man with a secret double life—prefigured the massive "secret agent dad" trend that would dominate the 2000s and 2010s. Final Verdict: Entertaining and Ambitious
Rediscovering a Hidden Gem: Arthur Penn’s Target (1985) In the mid-80s, the spy thriller was undergoing a transformation. The flamboyant, gadget-heavy era of Bond was being challenged by grittier, more personal stories. Nestled right in the middle of this shift is (1985), a film that manages to be both a pulse-pounding European chase and a surprisingly tender father-son drama.