The Getaway, released in theaters on Feb. 11, 1994, isn’t just a remake; it’s a gritty, stylish, and often brutal crime thriller that stands on its own. While it shares the source material with the 1972 Steve McQueen/Ali MacGraw classic, this version, directed by Roger Donaldson, carves its own distinct path, offering a darker, more complex take on the story.
Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger, then a real-life couple, bring a palpable intensity to the roles of Doc and Carol McCoy. Baldwin’s Doc is less the cool, collected operator of McQueen’s version and more a desperate, cornered animal. Basinger’s Carol is equally complex, her motivations often ambiguous, adding a layer of intrigue to their already volatile relationship. Their on-screen chemistry is electric, adding a raw and often unsettling edge to their interactions.
James Woods adds a touch of menace as the ruthless Jack Benyon.
Michael Madsen delivers a typically brilliant performance as Rudy, the double-crossing, drug-addicted accomplice.
Jennifer Tilly, David Morse, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Burton Gilliam and Richard Farnsworth round out the cast.
Donaldson’s direction is stylish and visceral. The action sequences are gritty and realistic, and the film’s pacing is relentless, mirroring the desperate flight of the McCoys. The cinematography is dark and atmospheric, capturing the bleakness and desperation of their situation. The film’s score adds to the tension, creating a palpable sense of unease.
Walter Hill and Amy Holden Jones wrote the screenplay, based on Jim Thompson’s 1958 novel.
The Getaway is a far cry from the romanticized outlaw couple of the original. This version is a much darker and more morally ambiguous affair. The characters are flawed, their choices are often questionable, and the violence is brutal and unforgiving. It’s a film that pulls no punches, offering a stark and unflinching look at the criminal underworld.
Alec Baldwin and James Woods in The Getaway (Photo/Universal Pictures)
Reception for The Getaway
The Getaway grossed $5.8 million on its opening weekend, finishing in second place at the box office behind Ace Ventura: Pet Detective ($9.7 million) starring Jim Carrey.
The film would gross $16.1 million in its theatrical run
Legacy
The Getaway remains a compelling and underrated crime thriller. It’s a film that’s both stylish and visceral, with strong performances, a gripping plot, and a dark, uncompromising vision. While it might not be for everyone, fans of neo-noir thrillers and gritty crime dramas will find much to appreciate in this often-overlooked gem.
