The Banker

 (1989)

by Tuna

Someone is killing high-priced hookers with a crossbow, leaving an obscure South American symbol written in blood on the wall near them. We know the killer is a big deal investment banker who no longer gets enough thrill from power and money. The detective assigned to the case, Robert Forster, is not let in on the secret for most of the film. He and his new partner are trying to solve the crimes before his ex-wife (Shanna Reed), a news reporter, irritates the killer and becomes the next victim.

The writer of the film is quick to point out in comments at IMDb that the film has something of a cult following. I can see why. It was a quick, painless watch for me. Given a low budget, it's not a bad little unrated police procedural. The actors (including Bobby from Taxi and the original Shaft) are competent, there is some humor, the villain is pure evil, there is excellent nudity from Teri Weigel, and the story moves along well.

 

 

Our Grade:

If you are not familiar with our grading system, you need to read the explanation, because the grading is not linear. For example, by our definition, a C is solid and a C+ is a VERY good movie. There are very few Bs and As. Based on our descriptive system, this film is a:

C

Watchable - and better than you expect it to be!

NUDITY REPORT

  • Terri Weigel shows breasts and possible bush.

  • Christina Walker shows her left breast

  • Leigh Wood and an Karen Russell each show a right breast.

THE CRITICS AND ACADEMIES

  No major reviews online
   

THE BOX OFFICE

Straight to video

 

THE PEOPLE

   
4.2 IMDB summary (of 10)
   

The Banker (1989)

It is only available in the US from RLDVDs.com on an all-region PAL DVD from Scandinavia. It is a full screen version, but that aspect ratio was created from the full 35 mm negative, so there's no cropping. Of course the boom mike has more screen time than any of the characters, but only because the film was meant to be projected in a widescreen ratio, so the top and bottom of the frame were meant to be off-camera. The audio is in English and the transfer is so-so.