Hennessy

 

Hennessy (1975)

A Slow-Burn Thriller of Singular Obsession

★★★☆☆

Watched 24 Jan 2025 — A curiously entertaining 70s thriller anchored by an engrossing, simmering performance from Rod Steiger.

Directed by Don Sharp, Hennessy follows a former IRA member on a personal vendetta against the British Parliament following a tragic family loss. Rod Steiger, one of cinema's most underrated anchors, believably carries the weight of a grief-stricken husband and father. Eschewing the tropes of a traditional action star, his Hennessy is driven by an uncompromising, singular focus rather than hand-to-hand combat. As Scotland Yard and the IRA close in, the film ratchets up the tension through a stealthy, purposeful maneuver toward a high-stakes climax.

"Steiger works great as an everyman in extreme situations looking to repay injustices... driven by his uncompromising, singular focus, rather than his hand to hand fighting skills."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: [Don Sharp](https://www.imdb.com)
• Starring: [Rod Steiger](https://www.imdb.com), Lee Remick, Richard Johnson
• Supporting: Trevor Howard, Eric Porter, Peter Egan
• Cinematography: Ernest Steward

The Vision

Don Sharp’s directorial vision excels in its gritty realism, particularly in the seamless integration of real-life footage of the British Parliament during the third act. The film's strength lies in its psychological pacing—reminiscent of John Malkovich’s obsessed assassin in In the Line of Fire—where the protagonist’s instability is his most dangerous weapon. While the film embraces the "disillusioned lone victim" genre popular in the 70s, it focuses on the meticulous execution of a plan rather than explosive set pieces, creating a curiously effective, if uncomplicated, character study.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• The Parliament Controversy: The film gained notoriety for using [actual footage of Queen Elizabeth II](https://en.wikipedia.org) opening Parliament, which led to a temporary ban by the BBFC due to the sensitive nature of the plot.
• Underrated Giant: Lead [Rod Steiger](https://www.imdb.com) was a Method acting pioneer, known for holding his own against legends like Marlon Brando and Sidney Poitier.
• Genre Veteran: Director Don Sharp was a staple of British genre cinema, frequently working with [Hammer Film Productions](https://www.imdb.com) before transitioning to thrillers like this one.

✅ Pros

• Engrossing, everyman performance by Rod Steiger.
• Excellent use of real-life archival footage.
• Strong, slow-burn tension throughout the narrative.

❌ Cons

• Abrupt ending that may feel less satisfying than the buildup.
• Relatively uncomplicated plot compared to modern political thrillers.
• Lacks the "movie star" action sequences some may expect.

🏆 Final Verdict

A well-executed example of the 70s lone-victim thriller. While the ending hits a bit abruptly, the meticulous slow-build and Steiger's simmering intensity make it a hidden gem worthy of recognition.

View on Letterboxd