The Mechanic 1972
Directed by
Michael Winner
Made by
United Artists
Plot Summary
The film starts at a casino in Moscow, where a gangster (Jovan Savic) is watching the stand up routine of comedian Bert Kreischer (playing himself) discussing his infamous “Machine” story where he got involved with the Russian mafia while in college. The gangster claims Bert has something that belongs to him and is preparing to go after him.
The credits show the success Bert has found ever since his big story. However, his personal life has not been so simple. He is married to LeeAnn (Stephanie Kurtzuba) and has two daughters, Sasha (Jessica Gabor) and Tatiana (Amelie Villiers). They are in therapy, because Bert thinks they are “cunts”, while they have their own issues with him, such as when Bert livestreamed Sasha getting arrested when she went to pick him up because he was drunk.
The Kreischers throw a birthday party for Sasha, but she is unhappy because she wanted a small gathering with friends, and Bert invited people he knows. Complicating things further is the arrival of Bert’s estranged father Albert (Mark Hamill), who thinks his “Machine” story is a load of crap. After they start to argue, the two are approached by a woman named Irina (Iva Babic), who tells them they have to follow her, or the DJ that was hired will kidnap Sasha. Irina claims that “The Machine” stole a pocketwatch belonging to her father (the same gangster in the opening).
Bert and Albert are forced to fly with Irina to Moscow. On the ride over, Bert meets a man called Sponge (Martyn Ford), who has heard of his exploits as “The Machine” and gets into a slapping match with him. A flashback is then shown of Young Bert (Jimmy Tatro) in college in 1999 when he showed up on a trip with other classmates. Their teacher introduced them to a “banditi” named Igor (Marko Nedeljkovic), who brought Bert along to rob a train. With his limited knowledge of the Russian language, Bert made them think he was a legendary American known as “The Machine”, who made them laugh by quoting American pop culture like the Austin Powers movies or Beavis and Butthead. They ended up robbing some of Bert’s classmates, including his close friend Ashley (Rita Bernard-Shaw), who lost respect for Bert after that.
The Kreischers are driven through the city, where Bert’s image as The Machine is used to promote beer. They are taken to a bank where they meet Irina’s brother Vanya (Set Sjostrand), who is competing with his sister for control of the family business. A shootout occurs, forcing Bert and Albert to hide. Bert grabs a gun and attempts to stop Vanya, only to shoot him in the head, which causes a chain reaction where Vanya shoots another guy in the head, and that guy shoots ANOTHER guy in the head. They manage to get away with Irina.
Everyone then ends up on the same exact train that Bert helped rob, where they find someone they believe is Igor (Oleg Taktarov) and that he has the pocketwatch. The gangsters invite Bert to drink so that he can become The Machine, but Bert turns them down. Another violent scene occurs when Sponge betrays Irina and shoots her out of the train. Albert also pushes Bert off to protect his son while he is taken by the gangsters.
Bert is found by the real Igor (Nikola Duricko) and taken to his home with his family, where Irina is also found alive. Igor left the criminal life behind and settled down, and he also has the pocketwatch in his possession. Bert and Irina have a heart-to-heart over their relationships with their fathers, and how him livestreaming Sasha’s arrest made him realize the party guy image he had cultivated that made him famous is not who he wants to be anymore. Bert later has a mental heart-to-heart with his younger self, talking about the man he has become and the man he has to be.
Bert and Irina take the pocketwatch and go to rescue Albert, who is high on drugs and is being kept by Irina’s other brother Alexei (Robert Maaser). As another shootout happens, Albert hands Bert a handle of vodka so that he can become “the motherfuckin Machine” once more. Bert downs the liquor and engages in a fight with the other gangsters. Albert stabs Alexei in the chest before Bert fights the Russian gangster with his shirt off. Although Alexei is the better fighter, Bert manages to defeat him.
Irina and Alexei’s father arrives. When Irina presents him with the pocketwatch, he refuses to thank her or allow her to take control of the family because she is a woman. Irina responds by shooting and killing her father, which he appears to be proud of as he dies with a smile. The other gangsters are then forced to submit to Irina now that she is their new leader.
Bert and Albert return home on better terms, and Bert attempts to be a better father and husband. When he returns to therapy, he talks about having a life-changing experience in Russia, to which he begins to tell a new version of the “Machine” story.
Timeline
Opening at the Casino
The film begins in a casino in Moscow where gangster Jovan Savic watches comedian Bert Kreischer perform. During his routine, Bert shares his infamous 'Machine' story, which grabs the gangster's attention as he believes Bert possesses something that rightfully belongs to him.
Bert's Personal Struggles
The movie then shifts to Bert's personal life, highlighting his struggles despite his comedic success. He shares a turbulent marriage with LeeAnn and has two daughters, Sasha and Tatiana, with whom he has a contentious relationship, complicated further by family therapy.
Sasha's Birthday Party
Bert throws a birthday party for his daughter Sasha, which she is unhappy about due to his decision to invite many guests rather than keeping it a small, intimate gathering. The tensions rise further when Bert's estranged father, Albert, arrives, igniting an argument between them.
Irina's Threat
During the argument, a woman named Irina approaches them and claims they must follow her, threatening that the DJ will kidnap Sasha if they don't comply. She reveals that the gangster believes Bert has stolen a pocketwatch belonging to her father, escalating the tension.
Journey to Moscow
Bert and Albert are compelled to fly to Moscow with Irina. On the flight, Bert encounters a man named Sponge, who challenges him to a slapping match for not believing in The Machine. This adds to the comedic and awkward tension of their journey.
Flashback to College
The film flashes back to 1999, showing Young Bert in college in a trip where he meets a 'banditi' named Igor. Misunderstanding the situation, Bert pretends to be The Machine and helps the gang rob his classmates, marking a pivotal moment in his life.
Encounter with Irina's Brother
Upon arrival in Moscow, Bert and Albert meet Irina's brother, Vanya, who is competing with her for control of the family business. Tensions escalate into a shootout, where Bert accidentally shoots Vanya in a chaotic sequence of events, showcasing his lack of experience in such dangerous encounters.
Caught on the Train
Bert and the group find themselves on the train that he helped rob years ago. They encounter someone they believe to be Igor. Bert is tempted to embrace his Machine persona but ultimately chooses to decline the invitation to join the gangsters in their drinking.
Irina's Betrayal
During this chaotic train scene, Sponge betrays Irina, leading to a violent confrontation where she is shot and thrown from the train. This act of betrayal shifts the dynamics as Bert is left to navigate this dangerous situation without Irina's guidance.
Finding True Igor
Bert is rescued by the real Igor, who has left his criminal past behind. He takes Bert and Irina, who survives, to his home where they engage in heartfelt conversations about their respective relationships with their fathers, bringing deeper emotional layers to the story.
The Rescue Mission
Bert and Irina, determined to rescue Albert, confront Irina's brother Alexei, who is keeping him drugged. As they initiate a rescue amid another shootout, Albert gives Bert vodka, encouraging him to become The Machine once more, leading to an intense battle.
Final Confrontation
Bert engages in a brutal fight with Alexei, who initially has the upper hand. However, fueled by his father's encouragement and vodka, Bert manages to turn the tide, defeating Alexei and showcasing his character growth throughout the film.
Irina Takes Control
In a shocking turn of events, Irina kills her father after presenting him with the pocketwatch, asserting her position of power over the gangsters. This moment symbolizes her breaking free from the patriarchal constraints within her family and takes control of her destiny.
Return Home
After the chaotic events in Russia, Bert and Albert return home with a renewed sense of understanding and connection. Bert reflects on his life-changing experiences in Russia, aiming to be a better father and husband as he reintegrates into his family life.
A New Story
In the closing scenes, Bert returns to therapy to discuss his transformative journey. He begins to share a new version of the 'Machine' story, indicating his personal growth and the changes in his values following the events he experienced in Moscow.
Characters
Bert Kreischer (played by Bert Kreischer)
Bert is a comedian known for his wild antics and storytelling abilities, particularly his infamous 'Machine' story. He struggles with his roles as a husband and father, feeling distanced from his family. Throughout the film, Bert embarks on a journey that challenges his comedic image, leading him to seek personal growth and reconnection with his loved ones.
Albert (played by Mark Hamill)
Albert is Bert's estranged father, who represents the voice of skepticism against Bert's comedic persona. Throughout the movie, their strained relationship evolves as they confront past grievances. Albert's character offers a deeper look into parental expectations and the reconciliation process between father and son.
Irina (played by Iva Babic)
Irina is a pivotal character who becomes an ally for Bert and introduces him to the dangerous world of the Russian mafia. She is portrayed as determined and strong-willed, challenging gender norms within her family dynamics. Her character also serves as a catalyst for Bert's personal transformation.
Sponge (played by Martyn Ford)
Sponge is a musclebound figure who recognizes Bert's notoriety and represents the threat and danger of the criminal underworld. His interactions with Bert highlight the stakes in the perilous journey through Moscow. Sponge's imposing presence contrasts sharply with Bert's comedic nature.
Setting
Time period
1999
The movie features flashbacks to the year 1999, a time marked by great change in Russia following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. This period was characterized by economic struggles and the rise of organized crime, which intersects with Bert's humorous yet dangerous escapades in his college days.
Location
Moscow
Moscow, the capital of Russia, is known for its vibrant culture and rich history. It's a city that blends modernity with traditional Russian architecture, from the Kremlin to the iconic Red Square. In this movie, Moscow serves as a backdrop for high-stakes encounters and emotional revelations.
Themes
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Family
Family dynamics are central to the story as Bert grapples with his relationship with his father and his role as a husband and father. The film explores generational conflicts and the quest for acceptance within familial bonds. Bert's experiences in Russia ultimately push him to reevaluate his responsibilities toward his family.
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Identity
The theme of identity is prevalent as Bert confronts the persona he has created through his storytelling. His journey through Moscow challenges him to reflect on who he truly wants to be, moving past the 'party guy' image into a more grounded self. The eventual transformation illustrates a deeper understanding of personal identity.
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Crime
The film dives into the world of crime, showcasing the impact of Bert's past interactions with the Russian mafia. Crime serves as a catalyst for the plot's tension and reveals the consequences of Bert's earlier bravado. The violent confrontations and criminal dilemmas underscore the stark reality that lies behind Bert's comedic facade.
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