The Internecine Project

The Internecine Project is a 1974 British thriller movie that features a top-tier cast, including James Coburn, Lee Grant, and Harry Andrews. The plot revolves around an ambitious professor named Robert Elliot, played by Coburn, who orchestrates an elaborate plan to eliminate his enemies and become the next minister of defense.

The story begins with Elliot accepting a secret mission to create a report that details the vulnerabilities of the country's defense systems. He completes the task with great efficiency but becomes concerned that his report may fall into the wrong hands. To protect himself, Elliot sets up an intricate plot to eliminate his four potential sources of danger - a journalist, a civil servant, a scientist, and a businesswoman.

However, as Elliot moves towards the final stages of his plan, he begins to question whether what he's doing is right. He struggles with his conscience as he realizes the extent of the damage he could be causing by eliminating innocent people. Throughout this turmoil, Elliot develops a romantic relationship with the businesswoman, played by Lee Grant, who becomes an unwitting pawn in his game.

As Elliot's plan plays out, he is constantly under the watchful eye of a retired operative, Colonel Endean, played by Harry Andrews. Endean had grown suspicious of Elliot's intentions and had been keeping tabs on him from the start. Eventually, Endean and Elliot cross paths, and the colonel faces the daunting task of unraveling the intricacies of Elliot's plan before it's too late.

The movie is a taut, well-executed thriller that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. Coburn delivers a sterling performance as Elliot, a man driven to achieve his goals at any cost. His character is complex, and his motivations are not always clear, which makes him all the more interesting to watch. Similarly, Lee Grant is excellent as the businesswoman whose life becomes intertwined with Elliot's. She offers a much-needed softness to the movie, and her chemistry with Coburn is palpable.

The supporting cast is also noteworthy. Harry Andrews, who plays the retired operative, brings gravitas to his role, and his no-nonsense approach is a perfect foil for Coburn's ambiguous character. Meanwhile, the four potential targets, played by Michael Jayston, Ian Hendry, Christiane Krüger, and Philip Anthony, all do a great job of portraying individuals who are caught up in a dangerous web they don't understand.

The movie is directed by Ken Hughes, who does an excellent job of keeping the tension high throughout. The pacing is flawless, and the intricate plot is revealed carefully, so the audience is never too far behind the action.

In terms of its style and tone, The Internecine Project feels very much like a product of its time. The movie was made in the early 1970s, a period characterized by political turbulence and paranoia. This is reflected in the film's narrative, which deals with issues of secrecy, espionage, and politics. The movie's aesthetic is also indicative of the era, with its use of patterned wallpaper, bold colors, and wide lapels adding to its distinctive 70s vibe.

Overall, The Internecine Project is an engaging and entertaining thriller that showcases the considerable talents of its cast and crew. Its twists and turns will keep you guessing until the very end, and its exploration of morality and politics adds depth to what could have been a simple action movie. If you're a fan of classic thrillers, this is one that's definitely worth checking out.