The basis for this film is a novel by Donald Westlake, whose books under the pseudonym of Richard Stark featured a character named Parker, a mean guy, a sort of anti-hero, a ruthless man and a thief. He has the knack of evading his enemies in ways that will surprise readers, attracted to Donald Westlake's prose. Donald Westlake had the ability to write books under pseudonyms, as well as under his own name. It is a tribute to this writer that a lot of his novels were translated for the screen successfully. This film is based on "The Hunter".
John Boorman had worked on television as well as making documentaries. Lee Marvin, an actor who befriended Boorman, was instrumental in having this film made. The adaptation is credited to Alexander Jacobs, and Rafe and Dave Newhouse. Parker was changed into Walker for the film. The action is set in California where Alcatraz Island is prominently shown as well as other locations in the Los Angeles area. There is even a sequence that shows Walker in a concourse of LAX airport.
The casting of the film was a touch of genius, with Lee Marvin getting the best part. Keenan Wynn, Angie Dickinson, Michael Strong, Carroll O' Connor, John Vernon, and a stone faced James Sikking as the sniper do a great job for the director in creating the right atmosphere in which the style of Mr. Boorman shines as he moves the players to give their best in this thriller that has survived the passing of time.
John Boorman had worked on television as well as making documentaries. Lee Marvin, an actor who befriended Boorman, was instrumental in having this film made. The adaptation is credited to Alexander Jacobs, and Rafe and Dave Newhouse. Parker was changed into Walker for the film. The action is set in California where Alcatraz Island is prominently shown as well as other locations in the Los Angeles area. There is even a sequence that shows Walker in a concourse of LAX airport.
The casting of the film was a touch of genius, with Lee Marvin getting the best part. Keenan Wynn, Angie Dickinson, Michael Strong, Carroll O' Connor, John Vernon, and a stone faced James Sikking as the sniper do a great job for the director in creating the right atmosphere in which the style of Mr. Boorman shines as he moves the players to give their best in this thriller that has survived the passing of time.