Blu ray review: Busting (1974)

The 1970s were great for gritty cop action dramas where the seamy underbelly of society is explored and revealed. Peter Hyams’ Busting is a good example, and it has just been released in a special edition blu ray by Kino Lorber.

Elliot Gould and Robert Blake star as two cops who spend their time breaking up prostitution rings and drug rings until they discover that most of these are run by a powerful mob boss. The cops respond eventually discover that a heart attack ploy has resulted in drug deals being held in the hospital.

Sarasctic dialog, tough characters, nice visual imagery, bursts of violence, and a climactic chase scene are some of the film’s strongest elements. But what is most attractive about Busting is the distinctive 1970s feel that permeates films of that era. Dark scenes, brutality, snarling rebellion in the film’s leads, and a rough, aggressive style of filmmaking are bolstered by a lot of visceral action and excitement. Busting might be very typical of the era, but that also makes it a good, effective representation.

Gould and Blake make a good team. The Blake role was originally to be played by Ron Leibman, but reportedly the chemistry just wasn’t there. Allen Garfield knows all the right moves in his performance as mobster Rizzo. Cornelia Sharpe, Antonio Fargas, Sid Haig, and Michael Lerner help round out the cast.

Busting was Peter Hyams’ first theatrical film, and his establishing shots make good use of some contrasting imagery (the longshot of Blake in the park with children playing in the foreground is only seconds long, but offers a brief, cheerful contrast to the rest of the movie).

The special features on the Kino Lorber blu ray are great. Along with a fascinating, detailed commentary by writer-director Hyams, there is a very entertaining commentary by actor Gould guided by film historian, critic, and screenwriter Kim Morgan. Morgan’s insight and understanding about the cinematic process and its history and aesthetics helps with Gould’s random accounts regarding various scenes in the film. Gould’s memory for details is quite impressive.

Busting remains a strong crime actioner of its period, with a good script, direction, and performances. Add the special features and this blu ray is highly recommended.

The blu ray is available at this link: BUSTING