Sorcerer reviewed by Mark Kermode 

Saw this film when it came out in '77. When asked by my teacher in a high school class "what's everybody's favorite movie you've seen the past year?", everybody picked "Jaws" or "Star Wars". When I said "Sorcerer"; everybody looked at me like I was crazy. Literally not one other person had ever heard of it. I'm glad to see it's finally getting it's due.

Sorcerer is definitely a masterwork! The scene where the trucks go over the rope bridge is alone worth the price of admission. That bridge looked so bad I wouldn't try walking across it. Great that they showed the back stories of the 4 men. And I love the original film The Wages of Fear.

Steve McQueen said to William Friedkin, "Put my girlfriend Ali McGraw in your film and I'll do the part." Friedkin responded, "Nah, good luck, Steve." He regretted his decision because S. McQ's star power would have made Sorcerer a major hit. I saw this film the weekend it came out with my girlfriend. She told me never to take her to a film that stressful again.

In a perfect world I'd love to be able to experience it in IMAX.

Scorcerer is in my top 12 films all time (I am 70). When we saw this upon release, it opened with something like 10 minutes of atmospheric music and a dark screen. Loved it!

I saw it in movie theater in Poland in 1978. It was incredible and it introduced me to Tangerine Dream. The movie IS really incredible, and when I came to the US, I was astounded that practically nobody knew about it.

Sorcerer was so tense I didn’t gasp in places, I squeaked.

My favourite Friedkin film is still TO LIVE AND DIE IN LA, but this is a close second.

Sorcerer is one of my favorite films. Preach the word, Mark!

Speaking of Friedkin (RIP maestro) and Steve McQueen, a project they wanted to do together, which got delayed and ultimately fizzled out due to Sorcerer's shoot, was the UFO-Bermuda Triangle movie The Devil's Triangle!

My dad wrote Sorcerer and it tanked because it was released when Star Wars had been released two weeks before.

One of the very few movies I have on DVD. It is a masterpiece of oily, sweaty tension. RIP William Friedkin.

"I might go see Bad Mom's..." - classic Simon Mayo XD

My dad showed me Sorcerer in the 80's and was like "keep this one close"

I just received my copy on Blu Ray and just finished watching it. An absolute masterpiece. Friedkin is at the peak of his game. Nail-biting tension from start to finish, the bridge sequence being one of the most stressful things I have ever watched. The scene where Roy Scheider is trying to navigate the canyon at night in utter delirium was one of the most compelling moments in cinema that I have seen. For me, it was this sequence that made the title of the film clear. The film looks utterly beautiful with the colors just bursting with life and the soundtrack is pitch-perfect and every bit as tense and foreboding as the images onscreen. The entire cast is fantastic but Roy Scheider gives the performance of his life here. Thank you, Mark, for being such a champion of movies like this. So glad I came upon your review and purchased it. This is one, like The Ninth Configuration, that I will watch over and over and never grow tired of. Having said all that, I was disappointed that there are no extra features whatsoever, no director commentary, nothing. I think this film is more than worthy of a Criterion 4K edition with the extras one would expect from that company. AND, since this is a Warner Brothers release, they need to release the full, uncut, restored edition of Ken Russell’s The Devils once and for all and move on!

So pleased you gave Tangerine Dream's score the attention it deserves... For those not familiar with them, listed to Exit, White Eagle and Poland.

Stephen King's second favourite film of all time? The Wages Of Fear. Stephen King's favourite film of all time? Sorcerer. The most recent Sight & Sound survey for the best films of all time saw Quentin Tarantino put Sorcerer at number 9 on his list. It is a great film. I can't imagine watching the terror of the rope bridge sequence under cinema conditions. Watch Sorcerer and also watch the fantastic The Wages of Fear as well.

"I might see bad moms," is kind of a genius comeback.

Didn't know anything about this film before watching it ... Mark is spot on, it's bloody brilliant!

I was stunned by this film, blown away by how good it is and now count it as one of my favourite films.

Kermode is on fire

I absolutely adore Sorcerer. It is sincerely the most thrilling and suspenseful movie I've ever seen. Glued to the screen throughout.

I remember seeing it during its original release. I was 10. Not sure why my father dragged me to it--maybe we couldn't get in to see Star Wars/ I was haunted by it for years, wondering: "What was that Roy Scheider movie with the truck?" Seeing it as an adult, I was left with one word--"monumental"--even as I was surprised by how much of it I had remembered.

I agree that that The Exorcist is one of the best films of ALL time. Not just horror , but I’ve always thought it to be one of the best movies of all time. It’s a masterpiece. Technical marvel on EVERY level. But I’ve never seen The Sorcerer. I was 11 when it came out , and it Bbombed, famously so, and faded away it seemed … but now everyone says it’s a masterpiece! I plan on trying to find it ( I’ve heard it’s hard to find ). That soundtrack sounds amazing, btw !! I love the way the gentleman sits back in his chair, whispers “ok”, after the other guy says he’s going to see “Bad Moms” 😆😆🤣🤣 RIP (very recently) William Friedkin .

Just watching Mark talking about the bridge sequence with Tangerine Dream rumbling underneath him makes me want to watch this again. Fantastic movie, looking forward to the Blu Ray, don't think I'll get to a screening sadly.

It's what happens when you have the rotten luck to release your film the same weekend as Star Wars.

Love it. Saw it on cable TV in the late 70's . Always loved it.

The Sorcerer is a masterpiece, I saw it last weekend the third september 2023 in Amsterdam on a big screen. Mind blowing!

Watched this after kermode’s tip. Great film!

Insanely good movie. I saw it on big screen when I was 10 years old in 1977.

This movie is a true masterpiece.

I remember viewing Heaven's Gate on SelecTV (one of the first home movie channels) multiple times in the early 80's. And I loved every self-indulgent moment of it. And it did topple a studio. (Cinema History 101) But, it's now an AMERICAN CLASSIC! And it was given the Criterion treatment. So there's that. Also saw Sorcerer during its initial run in 1977. It's STILL is one of the GREATEST FILMS of ALL TIME! Thank God, it's finally been restored & released on Blu-ray. MASTERPIECE? Without a doubt. It's ranks right up there with Casablanca, The Godfather, Goodfellas, or anything else on AFI's 100 greatest films. Totally overlooked & underrated.

One of the Greatest films ever. Had it been called " Wages Of Fear " it would have done better. Title confused people. Thought it was Exorcist like. Full , rich. , deeply dramatic intense movie. Score is amazing. Review is spot on.

Probably the most underrated thriller ever made. I love The Wages of Fear, but this is a tighter movie. The bridge scene is mental!

I want Kermode to stay doing all of his reviews with tangerine dream playing in the background.

I was a little too young to see this movie in the theater but the trailer really stuck with me and when I saw it in college, I was blown away. Such a great movie

I saw it the weekend it came out and I was amazed that this didn't hit like wildfire. It is a gorgeous film.

I was lucky to see it in the theater when it was first released. Got to love it even more years later. The pairing with Tangerine Dream was perfect and helped make the film, similar to HR Giger's contribution to the 'Alien' franchise (particularly the first movie), you couldn't imagine a different artist.

This was so tense I was squeaking in public, loved loved loved it.

I imported the US blu ray when it was released a couple of years ago, one of the best 70's films in my opinion and one that rewards repeat viewing.

Such a wonderful movie!!! I couldn’t imagine seeing that in the theaters in 1977.

Have just watched this for the first time and absolutely loved it. It's hard to believe that it had such a bad reputation for so long because it is immense.

So lucky to see this recently at The Astor Theatre in Melbourne on a gigantic screen with a packed house, scintillating!

Watched it last night. What a great film

RIP William Friedkin. Sorcerer is my favorite film he ever made.

Mark said "SORCERER!!!" with so much gusto in the beginning, if you didn't listen to the review that followed you're insane.

I am old enough to have actually seen it in the theater when it came out. It is one of the best movies ever made and almost stands alone outside of genre, outside of tropes, outside of predictability and is just gritty, immersive and raw.

The summer my friends were all taking about "Star Wars" I was raving about "Sorcerer" which none of them had seen. Most of them still haven't seen it. Too bad for them.

Sorcerer is like A Clockwork Orange, what I mean by that is, I bought the soundtracks to both films many many years before finally getting to see the film.

Roy Scheider was the perfect choice for the lead

I was a huge fan of William Friedkin and saw Sorcerer in a Times Square theater when it opened in 1977. There were about 20 people in the seats. I enjoyed it, but, in truth, did not race back to the theater to see it a second time, as I did The French Connection and The Exorcist. Today, I enjoy it more and watch my DVD copy every few years. So it has a shelf life.

Finally a UK home release, I've been waiting years for this.

Mentioning William Friedkin in Mark's presence will instantly elevate his mood.

Saw it in the theatres twice and thankfully have the DVD now.

Tangerine Dream lead figure, Edgar Froese(RiP), has just released the auto biography FORCE MAJEURE. Lots of film score content...

Friedman believes it's best realized film. I totally agree: Sorcerer is breathtaking masterpiece.

i just rewatched this, back to back, with The Wages of Fear, a couple of nights ago. it's got the grittiness and sense of dread rather missing from the the 1950's original. I also like that Friedkin showed the backstories of each of the main characters. however, i was having trouble buying the idea that the French finance guy could become an expert truck driver in such a short period of time without any practice... also on the explosion of "the other truck"...I kinda like how it suddenly happened off screen, in the original, but..I also didn' mind actually seeing it happened on screen, in the remake. all n all, I can truly appreciate the original..in which, I do like a couple of the characters, especially Luigi. where in Sorcerer, NONE of the characters is likeable..or even rootable..which was what Friedkin intended to be..and I can agree, given each of their background. so, character wise, I prefer the 1950s version...but, for the atmosphere, "realness", tension, etc. I prefer Sorcerer.

McQueen would have been great, but Scheider still pulled it off wonderfully.

That extract of the score is beautiful! Reminds me of a Winding Refn film's score.

I love when Mark goes on his tangents...especially when he loves a film!

Can't wait for my Blu Ray to arrive on Monday. Been waiting for a UK release forever.

Loved it and so glad I got to see it on a big screen, great to see that it was very nearly sold out as well, which surprised me for a mid afternoon showing, but nice to see the film finally getting some love at long last, anyone reading this try and find it at a big screen if you can!

It is my favorite Friedkin film and one of the Top 10 of the 70s.

A fabulous film--and soundtrack.

One of the best films I've ever seen and the best soundtrack I've heard.

Glad to see this film getting it's props! I saw it on cable years back and was riveted the whole while. The most effective depiction of humans driven by utter desperation ever.

Absolute masterpiece.

Saw Sorcerer in a theater when it was reissued. Now I want the blue-ray. Already have a DVD of the Wages of Fear

I finally saw "Sorcerer" on RU-vid last year and it's one of the best films I've ever seen.

One of my favorite films. I am not sure if it would have the same effect on people who are accustomed to modern day films, but I am looking forward to see this again. Funny that an RC Truck going through a wooden bridge video triggered this memory. If you appreciate fine cinema, this is one great film not to mention the leading actor was also one of the best.

Seen it a week ago, masterwork!

As much as I would love Sorcerer to have Steve McQueen in it, I think everything happens for a reason and in this case it was for the best. Today we have a magnificent William Friedkin film, instead of having another Steve McQueen movie.

Been waiting for a good restauration/Blu-ray, can't wait to get my hands on it.

Saw this as a kid in the early 80's and it blew my mind. Decades later when I watch it as an adult it has the exact same impact. Brilliant film that deserves to be seen.

Man will go to any length, no matter how absurd, to avoid confronting the self.

Mark is so right about this film, an underrated masterpiece! 👍 Defo worth a watch if never seen before!

I saw Sorcerer when it first came out and loved it.

I saw Sorcerer a few days after seeing Star Wars, I was 13. I loved them both very much, each for what they were. I still love BOTH movies the same 42 years later!!!

When the 50th anniversary of Sorcerer comes around, it needs an IMAX release.

Great review, Mark. A visceral, haunting masterpiece and absolute classic of '70s cinema. I'm torn between this and The French Connection for my favourite Friedkin (don't worry, The Exorcist is a firm number 2/3). It's interesting when you consider that, unlike Heaven's Gate, New York New York, and One from the Heart, which are textbook examples of the out-of-control-auteur films that led to the collapse of New Hollywood (characterised by extremely long runtime, slow pace, gorgeous visuals, indulgent direction, and a focus on themes and tropes that critics and cinephiles are more interested in than the average cinemagoer), Sorcerer is lean, mean and focused: the cinematic equivalent of Hemingway in hell. If its production problems weren't so well-known you'd think it had very little in common with these other films. It's as intense as a blowtorch stripping paint and very bleak, but also surprisingly funny at times and brilliantly entertaining. There's a genuine sadness and consistent maturity about it that I find The Wages of Fear (also a very fine film) to lack.

I am a big fan of William Friedkin's work, and Roy Scheider, and Tangerine Dream's soundtracks, and spent a long time years ago trying to see the film. It was not possible, so when I saw it released on Blu-Ray I snapped it up. "The Exorcist", "The French Connection" and "To Live & Die In LA" are 3 of my favourite films and after seeing "Sorcerer" I had a 4th. This is a diamond that was missed by the miners for a very long time.

The movie, the background music, the cast, the terror, the never ending blockades, the never ending obstacles, make this a great movie......which needs to be seen.......my opinion

This soundtrack, which I first heard in a theater when I was 8 for the trailer of the film, has freaked me out ever since.

Watched it at the BFI Southbank after Mark's recommendation, it didn't disappoint.

I dunno in what order, and I don’t even care, but sorcerer is up there with The godfathers Thief Live and die in LA Goodfellas Heat Shawshank Casino Millers crossing Rio bravo Good bad the ugly Once upon a time in America Scarface Deer hunter Taxi driver Papillon the sting. And bad moms!! Lol It’s a banger of a film!! 👍🏼

Great review Mark! -- Love Sorcerer, an absolute masterpiece! so glad to see the film getting the recognition it so rightly deserves! the Blu Ray is gorgeous. William Friedkin is by far one of the greatest directors of all time.

That ending blew me away

Couldn’t get to see this at the cinema but ordered the Blu-ray. :)

I would say The Exorcist is Friedkin's masterpiece

I will have to watch this, also the film music is by Tangerine Dream !

Can't believe I paid for a seat to watch this film when all I used was just the edge of it.

Mark describing the concept of the movie 'Sorcerer' with Tangerine Dream in the background is superb

I remember the bridge clip being on the opening credits of Barry Normans Film series. Never knew what this movie was but always wanted to find it and watch it.

I love your passion !!

I have both. The original Wages of fear and The Sorcerer. I concur. Simple as. Yes.

I just watched this film last night and it was AMAZING.

Amazing film. Tangerine dream soundtrack is superb

After a real struggle finding a region 2 DVD I watched this after watching Wages of Fear. They are both great films but Sorcerer is a bone fide masterpiece. The set up and characterisation is so good and Friedkin gives it a symbolism all its own

The mystery of “Did Simon go see it?” is killing me

Off to see this at The Prince Charles on Wednesday afternoon, really looking forward to it as its been a film thats lurked on the edges of my attention for a long time, probably as it gets mentioned a lot when Star Wars original success is written and talked about, will post my thoughts on it on Wednesday.