Directed by Michael Winner ( “Death Wish”), “The Mechanic” is an interesting look into the life of a hit-man who’s staring to get too old for the lifestyle.

“The Mechanic” is about a hit-man named Arthur Bishop (Charles Bronson) who works for a mysterious organization and one day he is asked to kill a man. This man is a longtime associate of Bishop who has a son named Steve McKenna(Jan-Michael Vincent). After the assassination the two begin form a relationship with Bishop taking McKenna under his wing.

While the movie’s setup may seem like a good excuse for a bunch of shootouts and chase scenes the action segments are few and far between. The movie focuses on the natures of Arthur Bishop and Steve McKenna.

Bishop is aging, depressed and stressed while McKenna is a narcissist who finds his calling in the world of hit-men. McKenna . They both play these roles well. While Bronson’s character appears to have everything a man could want at his core he’s lonely and unable to trust anyone. Steve MKenna on the other hand is a spoiled brat who doesn’t show any concern for those around him outside of curiosity.

The interactions between the two make up the bulk of the story. The two play off each other well, with McKenna’s eagerness providing a good contrast to Bishop’s stoic nature.

There are a few exciting action sequences but those are few and far between.

For the first segment of the movie there is no talking. It is all Bronson’s character preparing for his first kill. An elaborate set-up designed to leave no traces behind. This is easily one of the more memorable parts of the film, nothing is said but it says everything you need to know about Bishop’s job.

While not as visceral as the 2011 version the 1972 film doesn’t have to be. Bronson manages to be intimidating. While not being as physically imposing as Jason Statham, Bronson’s cool demeanor in even when dealing with the harshest of situations is a little scary.

It’s slow pace is a nice contrast to the more over the top nature of the newer version. They are however very different films.

Overall “The Mechanic” is worth checking out if you have any interest in films about hit-men, crime or are just a fan of the action genre looking for something a little more cerebral.