Charles Bronson: The original, popular 'Mechanic'

From its elaborately choreographed opening to its shockingly blunt ending, 1972's "The Mechanic" defies movie convention in almost every way. Its protagonist is not a hero or even an anti-hero, but a villain. It's an action film whose gripping first 15 minutes are wordless. It is also openly and deeply philosophical - odd for a movie that stars Charles Bronson. In other words, it's not for everyone.

Bronson plays Arthur Bishop, a Los Angeles hit man who will kill anyone, even a friend, when ordered. He is rich, well dressed, sophisticated - he listens to classical music while planning his jobs - but lonely. Enter Steve McKenna (Jan-Michael Vincent), a spoiled rich kid whose boredom and selfishness could make him a potential protege. When McKenna's distraught girlfriend cuts her wrists, he and Bishop drive to her house. They watch her bleed for two hours.

"Is there anything wrong with that?" McKenna wonders afterward, strolling the beach.

"It just means you have your own rule book," says Bishop.

As the older Bishop teaches the younger McKenna his trade - stabbing, shooting, disposing - the two form something like a bond. The father-son overtones are never overplayed, but Bishop is clearly brightening, growing happier. It doesn't last: His employer (played by Frank DeKova but never named) insists that Bishop work alone. Connecting with another human being, it seems, will come with a price.

Written by Lewis John Carlino ("The Great Santini"), directed with creepy detachment by Michael Winner (Bronson's "Death Wish") and chillingly scored by Jerry Fielding ("Straw Dogs," also due for a remake this year), "The Mechanic" is a work of total nihilism in the guise of a drive-in thriller. It should be easy to find at your local video store. You'll probably be the first person to rent it in a long time.