The Mechanic (1972 film)

The Mechanic
Theatrical release poster
Directed byMichael Winner
Written byLewis John Carlino
Produced byRobert Chartoff
Irwin Winkler
StarringCharles Bronson
Jan-Michael Vincent
CinematographyRichard H. Kline
Robert Paynter
Edited byFreddie Wilson
Arnold Crust Jr.
Music byJerry Fielding
Distributed byUnited Artists
Release date
  • November 17, 1972 (1972-11-17) (New York)[1]
Running time
100 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$10 million

The Mechanic is a 1972 American action thriller film directed by Michael Winner from a screenplay by Lewis John Carlino. It stars Charles Bronson, in his second collaboration with Winner, Jan-Michael Vincent, Keenan Wynn, and Jill Ireland.

The story follows Arthur Bishop (Bronson), a top assassin who takes under his wing Steve McKenna (Vincent), the ruthless and ambitious son of Harry McKenna (Wynn), the former head of the secret organization for which Bishop works. It is noted for its opening, which features no dialogue for the first 16 minutes, as Bronson's character prepares to kill his current target. The title refers to a euphemism for hitmen.

Upon its release, the film received generally mixed reviews from critics but it was praised for its action scenes, acting and writing, although Winner's direction and the storytelling was criticized. A remake of the same name was released in 2011, starring Jason Statham as Bishop and Ben Foster as McKenna. The film was a financial success, and spawned a sequel, Mechanic: Resurrection, which was released in 2016.

  1. ^ "The Mechanic - Details". AFI Catalog of Feature Films. American Film Institute. Retrieved May 26, 2019.