The 70's were a golden age for ultra-pessimistic neo-noir. From Chinatown to Taxi Driver with a large number of others in between, there is no better time in film history for dark and complex crime films. Night Moves isn't one of the most well known films from this genre and it doesn't reach the heights of the best of the genre but it's a rock solid film anchored by Gene Hackman's fantastic performance. When Hackman's ex-football player turned private eye gets involved in returning a run a way teenage to her actress mother he gets involved in much more than he bargains for. Director Arthur Penn (Bonnie & Clyde) balances the mystery aspects along with strong character development -- Hackman's wife is having an affair -- with a tone that never waivers into feel good territory. Add in fine supporting performances (featuring a young Melanie Griffith and James Woods) and Night Moves is an excellent and often overlooked entry in 70's cinema.
Rating: 4
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