Skip Tracer (1977)

• Year: 1977
• Released: 01 Jan 1979
• Country: Canada
• Adwords: 2 nominations
• IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075228/
• Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/skip_tracer
• Metacritics:
• Available in: 720p, 1080p,
• Language: English
• MPA Rating: PG
• Genre: Drama, Thriller
• Runtime: 95 min
• Writer: Zale Dalen
• Director: Zale Dalen
• Cast: David Petersen, John Lazarus, Rudy Szabo
• Keywords: repo man, cult film, vancouver, loan shark, canuxploitation, independent film,

7.0/10

Skip Tracer Storyline

John Collins is an agent at GFC, a Vancouver-based private financial services company, which deals in high interest loans and debt collection, including repossession were applicable. As one of the few agents with a private office, he seems to like his job a little too much in being dispassionate about the people with who he deals and their unfortunate plight as witnessed by he named the company’s Man of the Year three years running as the highest collection agent, although he is slightly behind Bob Sorenson as this current year end nears. Regardless of that title, he discovers how much he is actually valued by the company in a measure classified by his boss as necessary office politics. He is approached by young neophyte colleague Brent Solverman who wants to shadow him truly to learn the business as Solverman is close to being fired for not even making quota, Collins allowing him to do so in making Solverman do what he offered: his proverbial and literal dirty work. But when Collins is hit with a personal stressor, he has to figure out how it will affect his psyche as a collection agent, especially as he was closing in on Sorenson for the title for the fourth time in a row, closing one the remaining items in his case file, arguably the most emotionally difficult but most lucrative, that of family man George Pettigrew, which would put him over the top.—Huggo

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Skip Tracer Movie Reviews

An unjustly-neglected 70s classic

I saw this little gem of a film on the two occasions when it was shown on British television in the late 70s/early 80s. It came out at the time when American cinema was rediscovering the blockbuster, courtesy of Spielberg and Lucas. That, along with its country of origin, may have been to its disadvantage. Skip Tracer had more in common with downbeat urban films like Coppola’s The Conversation and some of the other early 70s ‘New Hollywood’ fare.

It’s a film about a ‘company man’ who has desensitised himself in the service of ‘The Company’ and gradually starts to feel he’s had enough of it. The pivotal points coming when he’s attacked and stabbed by one of his debtors and, at the end, when he discovers just how far another of his ‘skips’ has been driven. His growing tiredness with his job is contrasted with the transformation of his raw, rookie sidekick into an ambitious new ‘company man’ for the future. Someone to carry on winning the ’employee of the year’ awards after his mentor has moved on.

This is an excellent and criminally under-rated film. A DVD release and screenings at film festivals are long overdue. See it if you get the chance.

Film sadly overlooked

I was unsurprised, but disappointed to see that this film has no overall rating in the IMDB Ballot List. I have only ever seen it mentioned in one Film Guide. It falls into that unhappy category of films which are not from a major producer or ArtHouse or director, and which feature a cast of unknowns. I don’t suppose it’s being Canadian helps either, being a bit too close to the saturation Hollywood market. It’s been on TV in the UK twice, I think, and not at peak viewing time in either case.

I’m kidding myself that this might prompt some casual browser to pause before pressing the remote switch if it ever hits his or her TV Channel. If it’s in your local Video Rental Agency it’s probably buried in the 2 for a $ section. Give it a look.

Rare Canadian treat for the discerning creditor….

Skip Tracer Can. 1977 Dir: Zale R Dalen

Low budget tale of the ambitious loan agent (tracing ‘skips’ who have defaulted on payment) culminating in his juggling of customers plight with personal conscience. In England, first seen on terrestrial television early to mid 1980’s on BBC2’s forerunner to the Moviedrome collections.

The mental angst of the hunter grabs your intetest at the outset, but it slowly develops into vulnerability, demonstrating that pressure can make you thrive, but can also leave the door open to compromise and ultimately weaken you. It sets out as a study in power, developing into empathy and ultimately redemption.

Vancouver is set as an unspectacular backdrop; it’s portrayed modesty is a comfort – ordinary City, ordinary people like the Skip Tracer. The violence is justified by the subject matter as are the flirtations with sleaze.

I have been hooked from that first showing and it is now 2018, a good time to edit my original review. Skip Tracer was a promising personal vehicle for Peterson. His character, John Collins, made an impression on me. The man was so natural, it didn’t seem like acting at all. Effortless and effective – that is a gift. The movie was more popular in England than in Canada; I dont know why? Perhaps because Canadians didnt find it out of the ordinary – I did. Urban Vancouver looked good to me. It is a unique film memory, which has become an English cult following.