Watch The Mackintosh Man

The Mackintosh Man is a 1973 espionage thriller directed by John Huston and starring Paul Newman as a gentleman thief named Joseph Rearden. Despite its age, the movie has a timeless appeal, with an engaging plot and strong performances from the entire cast. The film's title is based on Mackintosh, a brand of raincoat that Rearden is seen wearing throughout the movie.

The story is set primarily in England and involves Rearden being approached by British intelligence agents to infiltrate an organization known as the Phoenix. The Phoenix is a criminal syndicate that deals in espionage, arms, and drugs. The catch is that Rearden must first carry out a minor crime and be sent to prison to gain access to the Phoenix's network. Once there, he must work to gain the trust of the organization's leaders and uncover their secrets.

Rearden initially resists the offer, but is ultimately coerced into accepting when his own past criminal activities are threatened with exposure. As Rearden carries out his mission, he finds himself drawn to the beautiful and enigmatic Mrs. Smith, played by Dominique Sanda, who may or may not be a double agent.

The movie features James Mason as Mackintosh, a suave and deadly member of the Phoenix who becomes Rearden's mentor and ally. Mason is particularly effective in this role, bringing a sense of danger and gravitas to the film.

Like many films of its era, The Mackintosh Man is steeped in Cold War politics and intrigue. The movie reflects the era's fascination with espionage and the shadowy world of international intrigue. However, the film manages to avoid becoming too bogged down in its political background, instead focusing on the characters and their motivations.

One of the film's strengths is its attention to detail. From the intricate plotting to the realistic portrayal of prison life, the movie feels grounded in reality. This attention to detail is exemplified in the film's climactic heist sequence, which is tense and thrilling, without feeling overly staged or unrealistic.

Overall, The Mackintosh Man is an engaging espionage thriller with a great cast and a smart, well-written script. Paul Newman is at his charismatic best as Joseph Rearden, and James Mason's performance as Mackintosh is a standout. The film may feel dated in its Cold War-era politics, but its themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption are timeless.

The movie's music score, composed by Maurice Jarre, is also worth mentioning. The music is moody and atmospheric, adding to the tension and drama of many key scenes. Additionally, the cinematography by Gerry Fisher is excellent, making effective use of light and shadows to create a sense of danger and intrigue.

In conclusion, The Mackintosh Man is a well-crafted espionage thriller that holds up well today. Its themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption are classic tropes of the genre, and the performances by Newman, Mason, and Sanda are all memorable. Huston's direction is assured and stylish, and the film is a great example of '70s-era filmmaking. If you're a fan of spy thrillers, The Mackintosh Man is well worth a watch.

The Mackintosh Man is a 1973 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.