Target

| 1985

Directed by: Arthur Penn

Main Plot

In the 1985 film "Target," directed by Arthur Penn, the story revolves around Walter Lloyd, a seemingly ordinary American businessman, and his son Chris. Their lives take a dramatic turn when they discover that Walter's wife, Chris's mother, has mysteriously disappeared during a trip to Paris. As Walter and Chris travel to France to find her, Chris learns that his father has been concealing a complex and dangerous past. Walter reveals that he was formerly involved in covert operations for the CIA, a secret he has kept hidden from his family for years. The revelation thrusts the pair into a high-stakes world of espionage and intrigue as they navigate through a series of perilous situations in their quest to rescue Chris's mother. Throughout their journey, the relationship between father and son is tested and ultimately strengthened as they confront and unravel the layers of deceit and betrayal in their pursuit of the truth. The film combines elements of action, thriller, and drama, exploring themes of family bonds and the hidden facets of one's identity.

Characters

  • Gene Hackman plays Walter Lloyd/Duncan (Duke) Potter, a seemingly ordinary man who reveals a secret CIA background when his wife is kidnapped, leading to a tense rescue mission.
  • In "Target," Matt Dillon plays Chris Lloyd/Derek Potter, the son who teams up with his father to rescue his kidnapped mother, uncovering family secrets along the way.
  • Brad Williams plays a store manager in "Target," where his character is pivotal in managing a crisis involving the main characters.

Ending Explained

In the 1985 film "Target," directed by Arthur Penn, the story culminates in a tense and dramatic conclusion. The film follows Walter Lloyd (played by Gene Hackman) and his son Chris (Matt Dillon) as they unravel the mystery behind the kidnapping of Walter's wife, Donna (Gayle Hunnicutt). Throughout the movie, Chris discovers that his father was previously a CIA operative, a fact that Walter had kept hidden from his family. As the plot unfolds, Walter and Chris travel to Europe, where they trace Donna's kidnappers to Paris. The climax of the movie occurs when Walter confronts his former CIA colleague, Taber, who is revealed to be the mastermind behind the kidnapping. Taber orchestrated the abduction to lure Walter out of the United States and settle an old score. In a tense showdown, Walter manages to outsmart and defeat Taber, securing Donna's release. The film concludes with the family's reunion, and a newfound understanding and respect between Walter and Chris. This resolution not only wraps up the action-packed narrative but also highlights the themes of family bonds and hidden pasts coming to light.

Arthur Penn Action Adventure Crime Gene Hackman Matt Dillon Brad Williams