Backtrack (1991)

Editor's Note Dennis Hopper has long been passionately involved with the art world, both as a painter and a collector, and his eye for composition makes even his lesser films worth a look. Occasionally, his interest seeps into films like Wim Wenders's THE AMERICAN FRIEND, or the film under consideration, BACKTRACK. It stars Jodie Foster as Ann Benton, a self-possessed artist who stumbles across a mob hit in progress. She manages to escape and report the crime to the police but recognizes Mafia soldier John Luponi (Dean Stockwell) at the station and takes off, becoming a fugitive. Meanwhile, mob boss Lino Avoca (Vincent Price) has put out a contract on the artist with hit man Milo (Dennis Hopper). While Ann does her own informal witness relocation, Milo begins to research the artist's life, looking for clues that might help him find her, and he becomes increasingly fascinated with her. When the hit man finally runs Ann down, stealing her out from under the nose of Detective Pauling (Fred Ward), he offers her a deal that anybody could refuse: Be killed or become his private chattel. Familiar Hopper cronies such as Bob Dylan, Sam Fuller, Julie Adams, Alex Cox, and Helen Kallianotes make appearances.

	John Turturro
	Dean Stockwell
	Vincent Price
	Joe Pesci
	Charlie Sheen
	Jodie Foster
	Fred Ward
	Dennis Hopper
	Bob Dylan - Cameo
	Alex Cox - Cameo
	Dennis Hopper - Director

Fueled by Dennis Hopper's fascination with the art world, the film stars Jodie Foster as artist Ann Benton. When she happens to witness a mob assassination, capo Lino Avoca (Vincent Price) hires hit man Milo (Dennis Hopper) to take care of her. As Milo researches Ann's life in his efforts to locate the fugitive--who is also sought by the cops--he becomes increasingly interested in her. When he finds her, he makes an offer: either die or become his property. Entertainment Weekly
"...A great, goofy sleeper..." -- Rating: B 08/05/1994 pp.56-7

Sight and Sound
"...The film proves to be one of Hopper's more persuasive efforts..." 03/01/2002 p.62-3