Targets
Targets

Targets

1968Movie90 minEnglish

An aging horror-movie icon's fate intersects with that of a seemingly ordinary young man on a psychotic shooting spree around Los Angeles.

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Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes71%
Director: Peter BogdanovichGenres: Horror, Thriller, Mystery

Plot Summary

A Vietnam veteran, Bobby Thompson, descends into a spiral of violence and begins a killing spree with a high-powered rifle. His actions intersect with the final days of aging horror star Byron Orlok, who is making a farewell tour promoting his latest film. The narrative builds tension as the two storylines move toward a violent convergence.

Critical Reception

Targets received mixed to positive reviews upon its release, with many critics praising Bogdanovich's direction and the atmospheric tension. Boris Karloff's performance was also highlighted as a significant draw. While not a commercial blockbuster, it has since gained a cult following and is considered an early example of the slasher film genre.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its suspenseful atmosphere and direction.
  • Boris Karloff's final major role was a standout element.
  • Considered an early, influential precursor to the slasher genre.

Google audience: N/A

Fun Fact

The film famously features Boris Karloff in his final starring role, playing a character eerily similar to his horror icon persona, Byron Orlok. The film was largely conceived as a vehicle to give Karloff one last significant performance.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
griggs79

griggs79

Hmmm… I’ve never quite got Bogdanovich. I’m still not convinced. _Targets_ is a good idea—old-school horror legend (Karloff, doing his best with what he’s given) crosses paths with a modern-day, real-world killer—but it never quite lands. ...
Wuchak

Wuchak

**_As relevant today as it was when it was made_** An aged horror icon (Boris Karloff) wants to retire because he’s weary of the biz and thinks modern life has become more horrifying than his old-fashioned movies. But a director/writer (...
adorablepanic

adorablepanic

Roger Corman offered to produce (without credit) whatever film first time director Peter Bogdanovich wanted to make under two conditions: He had to cast Boris Karloff, who owed Corman two days work; and to keep the cost down, he had to pad ...