F/X: MURDER BY ILLUSION (1986)

F/X (1986)
Directed by: Robert Mandel
Written by: Gregory Fleeman, Robert T. Megginson
Starring: Brian Dennehy, Bryan Brown, Cliff De Young, Diane Venora, Jerry Orbach, Jossie DeGuzman, Martha Gehman, Mason Adams, Roscoe Orman

F/X: MURDER BY ILLUSION (1986)
Directed by Robert Mandel
Available in F/X & F/X 2: The Grande Illusion Limited Edition Blu-ray from Arrow Video

Australian Special Effects master Roland ‘Rollie’ Tyler is roped into performing a fake assassination in public for the Justice Department. The ‘victim’, a mobster named DeFranco who is turning state’s evidence, is set to be relocated and given a new identity, but to prevent his old associates from whacking him for ratting on them, they need to think he’s died. With his movie FX gaining quite the acclaim, there’s no better man for the job than Rollie. However, when the assassination doesn’t go to plan, the FX guru is going to have to rely on his extensive makeup and effects skills to stay in one piece and clear his name.

F/X is an exciting, energetic thriller, blending crime, action and the comedy and thrills of special FX to craft an entertaining 109 minute adventure.

As horror fans, many of us, me included, have a deep appreciation for the art of special effects, so to see the FX guru, who is normally the one behind the scenes making the spectacular visuals we adore, as the lead character is a massive departure to who we expect as a lead character of a movie. The choice of having the FX guy as the lead, and creating a story around it, is absolutely refreshing and sparks creativity in fixing problems. Who is a better problem-solver than a special effects guru who normally has to create magic and solutions on a shoestring budget? They make the impossible possible. It’s because of Rollie’s skills that he becomes the go-to guy for the Justice Department in their outrageous plan – one that he initially turns down but then accepts when ego gets the better of him after his employers discuss hiring a rival instead.

Watching the ideas and planning of how to approach such a feat is fascinating to watch. Of course, it doesn’t go into painstaking detail but it’s enough to tantalise the audience (think of the creative tech scenes in Mission Impossible franchise).

The well thought-out plan goes South and Rollie is on the run from everyone. Bryan Brown turns action hero as Rollie, as we see his private life get blown apart by the job. His actions and participation in the faux hit have left him with a massive target on his back and seeing how he responds to that is exciting to see unfold. Fortunately, not everyone is dead-set against him. There’s a maverick cop named Leo McCarthy (fantastically portrayed by Brian Dennehy) whose no-nonsense approach, gut-feeling and passion for the job has him power to the forefront as a possible ally for Rollie – one that could actually clear his name if he digs deep enough.

F/X is tremendously good fun, how films should be, and sort of feels so nostalgic nowadays for two reasons. FX, whilst not extinct, is a dying art which we need to preserve in the face of AI and CGI. The other is that fun, well-made films such as this just don’t seem to be made anymore. They have a simple yet effective story that satisfies viewers told in enthusiastic fashion.

Dennehy provides comic-wit and grit in his role as Leo, particularly when he has his teeth stuck into a theory. Not everyone thinks like him though so he’s often met with a brick wall when trying to get his department on side, not that it stops him in his tracks. Fortunately, he knows how to work the charm with the opposite sex and sets his sights on a familiar female colleague named Marisa (Jossie DeGuzman, whose own skills prove a vital asset to Leo’s investigation.

Watching the cat and mouse chase between Rollie and those after him, and then throwing the third player Leo into the mix, makes the running time zoom by. It very rarely stops for a breather and when it does, it hits you with something else to think about. As it reaches the final third, the viewer is treated to even more creative solutions to the predicaments that Rollie finds himself in.

A spirited, action-packed crime thriller with a difference, F/X ticks the boxes for an enjoyable slice of entertainment. It’s no surprise it went on to have a sequel, and even spawned a TV series in the mid to late 90’s, albeit with parts recast.

Arrow Video have released F/X: MURDER BY ILLUSION as part of a F/X – The Grande Illusion Limited Edition Blu-ray also containing the sequel F/X 2: The Deadly Art of Illusion, with both films featuring original lossless stereo audio and optional English subtitles. The Limited Edition contains a 60-page perfect bound collector’s book featuring new writing by film critics Guy Adams, Clem Bastow, William Bibbiani and Priscilla Page; double-sided fold out poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Nathanael Marsh; stickers for the films of Rollie Tyler; and reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Nathanael Marsh.

The disc itself comes loaded with a selection of extras to sink your teeth into.

New audio commentary with film critic Mark White

The host of The Projection Booth podcast, Mark White, shares his knowledge in an informative style with plenty of background on the cast and crew involved with F/X: MURDER BY ILLUSION. His relaxed and comfortable style is easy to listen to as he breaks the scenes down, making for an interesting listen.

New audio commentary with Daniel Martin and Jennifer Handorf

Daniel Martin, a special effects guru at 13 Finger FX, and producer Jennifer Handorf, of the incredible British horror The Borderlands, pair up for this commentary. Having worked together, they’re so relaxed and in-tune with each other, it’s as though you’re sitting with a few mates and discussing films. Their filmmaking experience provides some real insight into film itself, especially with Martin being an FX guy just like lead character Rollie. In fact, this is a film that heavily influenced the young Martin, so hearing how various scenes inspired him as a youngster and made him curious into the art and magic of effects is really nice to listen to. Martin and Handorf’s chatty, informal demeanour is fun and both have a lot to say on the creative side. It’s particularly interesting how the effects on screen, and the scenes, translate to real life.

The FX of F/X – Interview with Special Effects Supervisor, Carl Fullerton (15 mins 11 secs)

In this new interview, Carl Fullerton shares his experience as the Special Effects Supervisor on F/X and the tasks he was involved in, particular the prosthetics section where DeFranco is having a cast made. Fullerton discusses working with Bryan Brown and provides stories of his own experiences, both on F/X and in others he worked, like Goodfellas. Fullerton breaks down the restaurant hit setup and shares the similarities and differences between what we see on screen and the reality of creating the effects.

FX Illusions – Visual Essay by Film Critic Heather Wixson (12 mins 22 secs)

The author of Monsters, Make-Up and Effects, Heather Wixson, gives an analytical take on F/X, breaking down the scenes throughout the movie, in this new visual essay.

Murder By Illusion – Archive Interview with Director, Robert Mendel (13 mins 51 secs)

Robert Mendel opens by talking about his career prior to F/X and how the film got made, with additional writing from Alan Ormsby who injected a lot of comedy and fun elements to the movie. Mendel talks about bringing both truth and illusion to the film. He also discusses working with the various cast members, some of whom were theatre actors, and how there was an element of ad-libbing at times. He also talks about working with the DOP and editor, the latter of whom had shown an edit of the fight scene to the studio which in turn granted them a considerable budget for a car chase later in the film. A fascinating interview with some real insight into the making of the movie.

The Making of F/X – Archive Promotional Featurette (14 mins 11 secs)

A showcase of the film with behind the scenes footage, interview clips on set with Bryan Brown (Rollie), Jerry Orbach (DeFranco), special effects master John Stears and director Robert Mendel.

Trailers

Trailers for F/X: Murder By Illusion (2 mins 36 secs) and F/X 2: The Deadly Art of Illusion (1 mins 52 secs)

Original Production Notes (40 pages)

Original Sales Sheet (2 pages)

Image Gallery

102 images featuring poster art, stills and promo shots