The Glimmer Man, released in theaters on October 4, 1996, is an action-thriller that blends Steven Seagal‘s signature martial arts style with a 90s buddy-cop dynamic and a complex conspiracy plot. Seagal stars as Lt. Jack Cole, a mysterious and philosophical detective with a dark past in U.S. government covert operations—a legacy that earned him the cryptic nickname, “The Glimmer Man.” Cole has recently been transferred from New York to Los Angeles.
The plot kicks off when Cole is partnered with Detective Jim Campbell (Keenen Ivory Wayans), a cynical L.A. homicide veteran who is deeply skeptical of Cole’s eccentric methods, Buddhist artifacts, and odd mannerisms.
Their immediate task is to track down a brutal serial killer known as “The Family Man,” who crucifies his victims and decorates the scenes with religious trinkets.
The investigation quickly becomes personal and complicated when the killer’s next victims are people close to Cole, suggesting that the murders are not random but a targeted attack linked to his secretive past.
As Cole and Campbell navigate the grimy underside of L.A., they uncover a massive conspiracy involving arms dealers and powerful figures who want Cole silenced.
This high-stakes chase forces Cole to abandon his spiritual detachment and rely on his devastating martial arts skills to survive.
The film’s strength lies in the entertaining friction between the two leads—Wayans providing dry, grounded comedy against Seagal’s stoic, seemingly supernatural calm.
The supporting cast is robust, featuring an array of strong character actors, including Bob Gunton, Brian Cox, Stephen Tobolowsky, John M. Jackson, Peter Jason, Nikki Cox and Michelle Johnson.
Steven Seagal and Kennen Ivory Wayans in The Glimmer Man (Photo/Warner Bros.)
Reception for The Glimmer Man
The Glimmer Man grossed $7.6 million on its opening weekend, finishing second at the box office behind The First Wives Club, which earned $11 million on its third weekend.
The film would gross $20.4 million in its theatrical run.
Legacy
The Glimmer Man‘s legacy rests as a successful mid-career vehicle for Seagal, one that attempts a slightly different tone by inserting the buddy-cop comedy.
It’s an enjoyable, well-paced entry that delivered exactly what audiences expected from a 90s action thriller: explosive set pieces and Seagal’s distinctive, bone-crunching choreography.
