The Onion Field (1979) - Walkden Entertainment

A Chance Encounter Between Two Pairs

In March 1963, LA police officer Karl Hettinger (John Savage) is assigned a new partner, Ian Campbell (Ted Danson). The pair break the ice, quickly beginning to learn about each other through sharing their past experiences. Around the same time, Jimmy Smith (Franklyn Seales), a common thief, is released from prison and is eager to get back on his feet. While Jimmy is looking for a connection that might help him, he meets Gregory Powell (James Woods), an unhinged and unpredictable criminal. Gregory offers Jimmy some work doing small jobs and pays him with cash. In time, their friendship forms so much so that Gregory claims Jimmy is part of the family.

A Routine Stop Turns Into a Nightmare

However, one night, these four men cross paths. While Gregory and Jimmy are driving on a devious assignment through the streets, they encounter Karl and Ian, who are on duty and patrolling nearby. Karl and Ian decide to investigate and pull them over, not only due to their suspicious behaviour but also because the car Gregory and Jimmy are driving has a broken tail light. What begins as a routine check quickly turns into a horrifying nightmare in a nearby onion field. The outcome of their encounter is both devastating and traumatic. Sadly, the events that follow only grow worse, as Gregory and Jimmy exploit legal loopholes, creating delays and preventing justice from being served.

Based on a True Story

The Onion Field is based on a true story and actual events, which the film emphasises from the very beginning. It is a dramatic crime film. The film was directed by Harold Becker, whose other work behind the camera includes Sea of Love (1989), Malice (1993), Mercury Rising (1998), Domestic Disturbance (2001), and more.

A Fascinating Legal Battle

Considering the film is based on actual events, I found the overall crime story quite fascinating, and I was eager to see how the legal system would handle the two criminals. I was intrigued that the men who had committed a horrific and unforgettable crime were able to find loopholes to delay justice repeatedly. What kept me engaged was the question of whether these criminals would ultimately be sentenced or somehow set free. Performance-wise, I thought James Woods was genuinely remarkable. His character often seems disturbingly at ease, thanks to his loud, unpredictable, and unhinged nature. Visually, the film is solid as well, and there are no significant concerns in that department.

Slow Pacing and Missed Emotional Impact

However, The Onion Field isn’t without its flaws, even though the story itself is compelling and intriguing. This is a very slow, drawn-out film that takes a considerable amount of time to gain momentum. Many scenes feel unnecessary, and the overall pacing moves at a snail’s pace before each new plot point unfolds. Another issue is the film’s struggle to elicit genuine compassion in viewers for the lead character, Karl Hettinger. Even during his lowest moments, I found it difficult to feel sympathy for him or any emotional connection toward him. Certain character choices, while based on actual events, often felt baffling or complex to accept, especially his transformation. Oddly enough, the film seems to focus more on the criminals, which is an unusual approach. While it’s a bold, creative choice, I don’t believe it works entirely, as I found myself more interested in what the police and the justice system were doing to bring peace and justice into the picture.

Final Thoughts: A Chilling Yet Uneven Crime Drama

Overall, The Onion Field tells a compelling true story that piqued my curiosity, especially as to whether justice would ultimately be served. Performance-wise, James Woods is fantastic, delivering a chilling portrayal of an unpredictable, unhinged, and creepy character. That said, the pacing is noticeably slow, so much so that it becomes difficult to fully enjoy, as the film crawls between plot points, weighed down by unnecessary scenes. When the drama and tragedy hit, the emotional impact doesn’t quite land as firmly as it should. Still, the story itself is enough to keep you curious and invested. After all, it’s an incredible journey, particularly from a criminal perspective.

The Onion Field (1979) is now available on Blu-ray thanks to Imprint Films & Via Vision Entertainment!