Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:
- Barbara Hershey Films
- Blackmail
- Corruption
- Drug Dealers
- John Lithgow Films
- Police
Review:
This intriguingly titled movie is based on a pseudonymous early novel by Michael Crichton and his brother Douglas (collectively using the pen name “Michael Douglas”). It seems to reflect some of Crichton’s own experiences giving up a prestigious future-career (he earned an M.D., but never practiced medicine) for something much riskier — in this case, stupidly risky drug transportation which clearly taps into Lyons’ desire for novelty and excitement. It’s a challenging plot to become invested in, given how little we care for or about Lyons, who’s actually a bit of a cad in the way he mistreats, neglects, and cheats on his straight-laced girlfriend (Ellen Barber).
![](http://filmfanatic.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Dealing-Girlfriend.png)
Once the storyline turns to Lithgow and Lyons’ desire to retrieve their “missing” loot, we really know we’re dealing with losers who should leave well enough alone.
![](http://filmfanatic.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Dealing-Lithgow.png)
Meanwhile, Michael Small’s soundtrack comes across as oddly inappropriate at times, unlike his highly memorable work for The Parallax View just a couple of years later.
Redeeming Qualities and Moments:
- Good use of authentic shooting locales
![](http://filmfanatic.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Dealing-Still1.png)
![](http://filmfanatic.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Dealing-Still2.png)
Must See?
No, unless you’re curious. Listed as a Cult Movie and a Personal Recommendation in the back of Peary’s book.
Links:
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