The Hitcher

About The Hitcher

The Hitcher is a 1986 road thriller film directed by Robert Harmon and written by Eric Red. The movie revolves around a young man who is transporting a car from Chicago to San Diego and decides to pick up a hitchhiker. The hitchhiker turns out to be a psychopathic killer who instigates a game of cat and mouse.

Making / Production

The Hitcher was produced by HBO Pictures in collaboration with Silver Screen Productions. Despite the movie's low budget, it received praise for its well-crafted suspense, aided by Mark Irwin's cinematography and the performances of the cast.

Actors

• C. Thomas Howell as Jim Halsey: Howell provides a riveting performance as the young, naive driver who gradually develops courage and determination to survive.
• Rutger Hauer as John Ryder (The Hitcher): Hauer delivers a chilling performance as the psychopathic hitchhiker, creating a haunting character that lingers in memory.
• Jennifer Jason Leigh as Nash: Leigh brings a heartfelt performance as Nash, the waitress who assists and forms a bond with Howell's character.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The Hitcher was Rutger Hauer's first American film.
• The film has a significant cult following despite its initial mixed reception.
• One of the most shocking scenes in the movie – the "trucker's hitch" scene – was Jennifer Jason Leigh's idea.

Awards

While The Hitcher did not win any major film awards, its cult status and influence on future thriller films cannot be denied.

Quotes

• "I want to die with you." - John Ryder
• "You're a smart kid... you figure it out." - John Ryder
• "I can't... I can't do it." - Jim Halsey

Music, Soundtrack

• "I Don't Wanna Live" - performed by Madame X
• "Road to Nowhere" - performed by Talking Heads
• "Fever" - performed by The Cramps