The Watcher (film)

Infobox Film
name = The Watcher


image_size =
caption = Theatrical poster
director = Joe Charbanic
producer = Christopher Eberts,
Elliott Lewitt,
Jeff Rice
writer = Darcy Meyers,
David Elliot ,
Clay Ayers
narrator =
starring = James Spader,
Keanu Reeves,
Marisa Tomei,
Ernie Hudson,
Chris Ellis,
Robert Cicchini,
Yvonne Niami
music = Marco Beltrami
cinematography = Michael Chapman
editing = Richard Nord
distributor = Universal Pictures
released = September 8, 2000
runtime = 97 min
country = United States
language = English
budget =
preceded_by =
followed_by =
website =
amg_id =
imdb_id = 0204626

"The Watcher" is a 2000 American thriller directed by Joe Charbanic and starring James Spader, Keanu Reeves and Marisa Tomei. Set in modern urban Chicago, the film is about a retired FBI agent (James Spader) who is stalked and taunted by a serial killer (Keanu Reeves).

Plot

Retired FBI Special Agent Joel Campbell (James Spader) lives in Chicago, where he is struggling to come to terms with his failure to capture a serial killer back when he was working in Los Angeles. Campbell attends therapy sessions by Dr. Polly Beilman (Marisa Tomei), but otherwise has no other friends or social activity.

Campbell learns that a girl who lived in his apartment building has been killed. He does not pay it much attention until he opens his mail and finds that a picture of the girl had been sent to his apartment three days before the murder. He brings this information to the attention of the detective on the case, Det. Mackie (Chris Ellis), and comes to the conclusion that the same serial killer has arrived in Chicago. FBI Special Agent in Charge Ibby (Ernie Hudson) tries to persuade Campbell to return to the case, but he refuses.

One night Campbell receives a phone call from Griffin, the serial killer, who reveals that he followed Campbell to Chicago, and wants to rebuild the "rapport" they once had. Griffin tells Campbell that he will send a photo of a girl in the morning, and Campbell has until 9.00 at night to find her. Campbell tells Ibby that he wants back in on the case, and his request is granted.

Campbell works together with Det. Mackie and the rest of the team in getting the word out on finding the girl before the deadline. However, by the time Campbell gets her house number and calls, Griffin is already there, and has strangled her to death. Griffin suggests they continue with a different girl. The next day similar events follow as Campbell and his team try to find the next girl before the 9.00 pm deadline. They corner and almost catch Griffin, but he manages to escape. Campbell is injured during the car chase.

The next day, another photo arrives, but it turns out to be the image of Lisa Anton, Campbell's former lover who was killed indirectly because of Griffin back in Los Angeles. Campbell goes to Lisa's grave, where Griffin is waiting for him. Griffin explains that he has Dr. Polly hostage somewhere, and only wants to talk with him. Campbell negotiates for Polly's safety, and Griffin eventually agrees to bring Campbell to see Polly. During the drive there, Griffin explains that he cares a great deal for Campbell, and considers him a "good friend". Campbell secretly uses his cell phone to call Det. Mackie, cluing him in on the situation.

Griffin and Campbell arrive at an abandoned warehouse, where inside Polly has been tied up and surrounded by flammable materials and candles. The two men face-off as the police arrive outside. The struggle culminates with the place catching fire. Campbell manages to untie Polly and get them both to safety before the place can explode. Griffin's corpse is seen with its face half burnt off.

Cast

* James Spader — FBI Special Agent Joel Campbell
* Keanu Reeves — David Allen Griffin
* Marisa Tomei — Dr. Polly Beilman
* Ernie Hudson — FBI Special Agent in Charge Mike Ibby
* Chris Ellis — Detective Hollis Mackie
* Robert Cicchini — FBI Special Agent Mitch Casper
* Yvonne Niami — FBI Special Agent Lisa Anton

Production

* Was filmed between October and December 1999 on location in Chicago, Illinois and Oak Park, Illinois.
* This movie featured the 1996 hit "6 Underground" performed by Sneaker Pimps.

External links

* [http://www.thewatchermovie.com/ "The Watcher"] - Official Site
* [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0204626/ "The Watcher"] at Internet Movie Database
*

Box Office Leaders USA
before = "The Art of War"
date = September 10
date2 = September 17
year = 2000
after = ""