Watch Sharky's Machine

Sharky's Machine is a 1981 neo-noir crime thriller directed by and starring Burt Reynolds. The film is based on a novel of the same name by William Diehl. The movie follows Atlanta police officer Tom Sharky (Burt Reynolds) who gets demoted to vice after a botched drug bust. In his new job, he becomes involved with a prostitute named Domino (Rachel Ward), who inadvertently leads him to a high-class escort service which he believes is being used as a front for a major prostitution ring.

Sharky's investigation leads him to a wealthy and powerful businessman named Victor Scorelli (Vittorio Gassman), who is involved in everything from gambling and drugs to prostitution and murder. As Sharky gets closer to the truth, he realizes that Scorelli will stop at nothing to protect his empire and will even kill anyone who gets in his way.

The film is a gritty and violent crime thriller that does not shy away from its subject matter. It explores themes of corruption, power, and justice in a dark and seedy underworld of Atlanta. The movie is filled with suspense, action, and unexpected twists that keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

Burt Reynolds delivers one of his best performances as Sharky, a tough but troubled cop who is haunted by his past mistakes. He is a complex character who is trying to make things right and redeem himself in the eyes of his department. Reynolds brings a sense of vulnerability and humanity to the role, making Sharky more than just a stereotypical action hero.

Rachel Ward is also impressive as the enigmatic and seductive Domino. She plays the role with just the right amount of mystery and sensuality, making her character both alluring and dangerous. Her chemistry with Reynolds is palpable and adds another layer to the film.

Vittorio Gassman is perfectly cast as Scorelli, the smooth-talking and ruthless villain. He exudes a sense of power and control that makes him both intimidating and unpredictable. His performance adds weight and credibility to the film's depiction of organized crime.

One of the standout features of Sharky's Machine is its stylish cinematography. The film is shot in a way that captures the grit and grime of Atlanta's seedy underbelly. The use of shadows and light adds to the film's moody and atmospheric tone, creating a sense of tension and unease.

The movie also features a memorable soundtrack that includes music from jazz legends such as Sarah Vaughan and Thelonious Monk. The score complements the film's tone and adds to its overall moodiness.

Overall, Sharky's Machine is a dark and gritty crime thriller that showcases the talents of its cast and crew. It is a film that explores the darker side of human nature and the corrupting influence of power. The movie is an intense and suspenseful ride that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Sharky's Machine is a 1981 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 58.