The Hitcher: Robert Harmon

Critics did NOT like The Hitcher when it was first released.  They called it shocking, exploitative, cruel.  I completely agree with them.  You see...that was the point.  The Hitcher, in my mind, is about the seduction of the innocent, the eternal battle between good and unspeakable evil.  Rutger Hauer's character is a malevolent, near supernatural force of nature that seems to exist solely for the purpose of proving the extent of horror in this world.  As he tortures and torments Jim Halsey, he seems to be representing a force greater than himself.  Of course, violence for violence's sake is pointless.  But director Robert Harmon creates a devastating and claustrophobic world of nightmares for his characters to inhabit where violence is the means to test their limits, both emotionally and psychologically.  It is disturbing?  Yes.  It is gruesome and exploitative?  Yes.  But that's the point.  This is not a film about a pleasant subject.  It has literally been years since I've seen a film that has made me feel this sick and uncomfortable...but for all of the right reasons. 

9/10