Where to watch Hennessy
2 1/2 Stars
Hennessy is an Irishman who believes in peace, but who has had connections to the I.R.A. After his family is killed, he plots revenge, setting out to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II.
The Video Archives Podcast, hosted by Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary, introduced me to Hennessy, a 1970s suspense thriller starring the always watchable Rod Steiger. I never would have watched this film on my own, but the hosts’ spirited discussion piqued my interest, prompting me to watch this controversial political nail-biter. The story cleverly modernizes the Guy Fawkes tale and skillfully incorporates the troubles in Northern Ireland.
Hennessey starts strongly with a series of early scenes that instantly establish Steiger’s character as a tragic figure doomed from the moment he loses his family in an accidental shooting. While the movie begins to lose momentum, during a second act that borders on tedious, the direction from Don Sharp is thoughtful and on target, and Steiger is magnetic in the lead role. As the film drew to its ending, the impact of that scene affected me far more than I had expected. Hennessy is a moving and sometimes ludicrous film; it’s also one that I won’t soon forget.
Directed by: Don Sharp
Written by: John Gay, Richard Johnson
Starring: Rod Steiger, Lee Remick, Richard Johnson