The Hitcher (1986)

The VHS Strikes Back

Timothy's choice this week and he's gone for the 1986 thriller, The Hitcher.

Directed by Robert Harmon and written by Eric Red, the film's production began with a script that was compelling enough to draw the interest of producer Edward S. Feldman. Rutger Hauer was cast as the enigmatic and terrifying hitchhiker, John Ryder, delivering a performance that would become iconic in the thriller and horror genres. C. Thomas Howell played the young protagonist, Jim Halsey, whose cross-country drive turns into a nightmarish battle for survival. The film's casting was critical, as the chemistry and tension between Hauer and Howell carried much of the film’s suspenseful and psychological weight.

Filming took place primarily in the desolate landscapes of the American Southwest, which provided a stark and haunting backdrop that enhanced the film's eerie and isolated atmosphere. The production faced numerous logistical challenges, including shooting high-speed car chases and violent confrontations in remote locations. Despite a modest budget, the crew's resourcefulness and the director’s vision ensured that the film maintained high production values. The cinematography by John Seale captured the vast, empty highways and the sense of foreboding that permeated the film.

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Plot Summary:

Jim Halsey, a young man driving cross-country, makes a fateful decision to pick up a hitchhiker named John Ryder. Unbeknownst to Jim, Ryder is a psychopathic killer who begins a relentless and sadistic game of cat and mouse, framing Jim for his murderous acts. As Jim tries to evade both Ryder and the pursuing law enforcement, he must confront his own fears and find a way to stop the seemingly unstoppable killer.

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