The Onion Field (1979)
Movie Info
Cast
as Karl Hettinger
as Gregory Ulas Powell
as Jimmy Smith
as Ian Campbell
as Jailhouse
as Sgt. Pierce Brooks
as District Attorney Phil
as Helen Hettinger
as Chrissie Campbell
as Greg's Woman
as Beat Cop
as Emmanuel McFadden
as Glenn Bates
as Billy
as District Attorney Marshall Schulman
as Jimmy's 1st Lawyer
as Mrs. Powell
as Mr. Powell
as Nana
as LAPD Captain
as IAD Captain
as 2nd Judge
as Redhaired Cop
as Greg's 2nd Lawyer
as District Attorney Dino Fulgoni
as 1st Prison Guard
as District Attorney Marshall Schulman
Critic Reviews for The Onion Field
All Critics (12) | Top Critics (4) | Fresh (10) | Rotten (2) | DVD (4)
The Onion Field is a serious and most uncompromising movie. It lacks, however, the sort of disciplined craft that might have made it a powerful and affecting one.
James Woods as the near-psychotic Powell is chillingly effective, creating a flakiness in the character that exudes the danger of a live wire near a puddle.
It's the usual heavy Wambaugh brew: police procedure closely observed without a trace of romanticism, suggesting simply that life in the force is psychological hell.
The film is generally crisp and at times exciting, but it's also full of incidents that are only sketchily explained, and minus the all-important narrative thread that might have provided a clear point of view.
Brutal, even sordid, but compulsive viewing.
Good acting and careful direction by Becker make it worth seeing, but the violence and the language may be too graphic for some tastes.
Audience Reviews for The Onion Field
"The Onion Field" features a complex narrative and well-developed characters, but ultimately, it never goes anywhere. The scenes that are meant to provoke emotion fall flat, the final twenty minutes or so are unnecessary, and the pacing is slow and unbalanced. James Woods delivers a strong performance, but that's about it. There's nothing noteworthy about this film other than that.
Super Reviewer
The Onion Field has real potential to be a very compelling film. There are tons of great character pieces with a complex plot, but it all somehow just doesn't go anywhere. This film is based on true events, but I'm wondering if the actual events were portrayed as is, and if so, did they need to be so true to them? I'm not going to spoil the entirety of the film, nor am I going to get into a discussion on dramatic character development and satisfactory story, but it basically winds down to nothing. Dramatic tension tries its hardest to kick in at times with little to no pay-off. This, to me, seemed more suited to be a Broadway production rather than a film. Two hours of complex plot and emotionally unsatisfying events make for a very dull film, despite the talent behind it.
Super Reviewer
A fantastic crime/prison movie, the story is really incredible, and the actors are great. The only problem is that it's a little too long. Other than that I loved it.
Super Reviewer
The Onion Field Quotes
| Mrs. Powell: | Besides it's all in the family. |
| Gregory Ulas Powell: | I believe I can help you make some real money. Real money, Jimbo! |
| Karl Hattinger: | [while in the onion field seeing his partner crying] That's the onions. It makes you eyes water. |
| Greg Powell: | Don't waste bullets! |
| Karl Hattinger: | At least you're tall enough to carry it. Married life's making me feel like an avocado with feet. |
| Jimmy Smith: | Mr. Brooks... I believe... I think that is something that rich white guys dreamed up to keep guys like me down. I honestly don't believe there is such a thing... such a feeling. Guilty? That's just something the Man says in court when your luck runs out. |
| LAPD Captain: | Any man who gives up his gun to some punk is a coward. Any man who does can kiss his badge goodbye, if I can help it. You're policemen. Put your trust in God. |
| District Attorney Phil Halpin: | Let 'em walk. If only I could send some lawyers and judges to the gas chamber. |