Portrait of a Hitman 1979
In *Portrait of a Hitman (1979)*, directed by Allan A. Buckhantz, a seasoned assassin takes on a job that forces him to confront his past—when the target of his contract turns out to be an old friend. The twist?
Director: Allan A. Buckhantz
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Portrait of a Hitman (1979) about?
When a ruthless hitman is hired to kill a brain surgeon, he discovers the target is an old friend—and both men are secretly in love with the same woman. As loyalties are tested and secrets surface, their shared past threatens to derail the mission and rewrite their futures.
Who directed Portrait of a Hitman?
Allan A. Buckhantz directed the film, crafting a tense drama-action blend that pits loyalty against ambition.
Who stars in Portrait of a Hitman?
Jack Palance and Rod Steiger headline the cast, joined by Bo Svenson, Ann Turkel, and Richard Roundtree in this high-stakes thriller.
Is Portrait of a Hitman (1979) worth watching?
While not widely celebrated today, *Portrait of a Hitman* offers a solid neo-noir experience with strong performances from Palance and Steiger. Its tight runtime and moral dilemmas make it a solid pick for fans of 1970s crime dramas looking for something underrated.
How long is Portrait of a Hitman?
The film runs for 86 minutes, making it a quick but intense dive into its dark themes.
About Portrait of a Hitman (1979) — The Deadly Consequences of a Hitman's Past
In *Portrait of a Hitman (1979)*, directed by Allan A. Buckhantz, a seasoned assassin takes on a job that forces him to confront his past—when the target of his contract turns out to be an old friend. The twist? Both men are unwittingly caught in a tangled web of rivalry over the same woman, a twist that blurs the lines between loyalty and betrayal. Set against the gritty backdrop of a neo-noir thriller, this drama-action hybrid explores themes of friendship, obsession, and the moral cost of a life built on violence. With its tense pacing and morally ambiguous characters, the film delivers a gripping tale where every decision carries deadly consequences.
Starring the legendary Jack Palance and Rod Steiger as the conflicting forces of fate, alongside Bo Svenson and Richard Roundtree, *Portrait of a Hitman* blends sharp dialogue with high-stakes confrontations. The atmosphere crackles with tension as alliances shift and secrets unravel, leaving viewers questioning who can truly be trusted. A forgotten gem of 1970s cinema, it's a story that lingers long after the final shot.