The Middleman
A bright and idealistic young graduate steels himself for a dog-eat-dog world, only to flounder in a job market packed with thousands of other hopefuls. When he eventually decides to start his own business as a middle-man, he discovers that the world of business does not live up to his lofty ideals.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young drifter named Teddy sets out to find his estranged father, a man he barely knows. His journey leads him to a mysterious cult-like organization known as the 'Middlemen,' who believe they are responsible for maintaining cosmic balance in the universe. As Teddy delves deeper into their activities, he uncovers dark secrets and a dangerous agenda that challenges his perception of reality and his own identity.
Critical Reception
The Middleman was a relatively obscure film that garnered mixed to negative reviews upon its release. Critics often pointed to its confusing narrative and underdeveloped characters, though some acknowledged James Woods' compelling performance. Audience reception was similarly lukewarm, with many finding the film's philosophical themes too esoteric or poorly executed.
What Reviewers Say
- Often criticized for its convoluted plot and lack of clarity.
- James Woods' performance is frequently cited as a standout, despite the film's shortcomings.
- The film's philosophical aspirations were largely seen as unrealized or pretentious.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for 'The Middleman (1976)' is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film was based on a 1970 novel of the same name by American author David Jones, though the movie adaptation deviates significantly from the source material's plot and themes.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources