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The Fan Details

1996 Certificate 15
  • Rated:
  • 60
  • from 2193 members

Quick-tempered Gil Renard (Robert De Niro) has an ex-wife who hates him, a son who fears him, and a job that he's about to lose. The only thing that this down-on-his-luck knife salesman can count on is baseball. He's a loyal, die hard fan, specifically when it comes to his favorite player, Bobby Rayburn (Wesley Snipes). Renard .. Read more

Starring Robert De Niro, Wesley Snipes, Ellen Barkin, John Leguizamo
Director Tony Scott
Genres Drama

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The Fan

Quick-tempered Gil Renard (Robert De Niro) has an ex-wife who hates him, a son who fears him, and a job that he's about to lose. The only thing that this down-on-his-luck knife salesman can count on is baseball. He's a loyal, die hard fan, specifically when it comes to his favorite player, Bobby Rayburn (Wesley Snipes). Renard has followed Rayburn's career since day one and is thrilled that his hero has just signed with his hometown team, the San Francisco Giants. When Rayburn hits a slump, his number one fan decides to help him by any means necessary. But when Rayburn discovers the lengths to which his admirer has gone to "help" him and begins to fear Renard, the disturbed fan becomes disillusioned with his hero and focuses his aggression toward Rayburn and his family. De Niro is creepy and menacing as the obsessed Renard, a psychotic stalker who ingratiates himself with his victim. Directed by Tony Scott (TOP GUN, CRIMSON TIDE), the film is based on the novel by Peter Abrahams.

Starring Robert De Niro, Wesley Snipes, Ellen Barkin, John Leguizamo, Benicio Del Toro, Patti D'Arbanville, Andrew J. Ferchland
Director Tony Scott
Studio ENTERTAINMENT IN VIDEO
Run time DVD: 1 hr 51 mins
Certificate Certificate 15
Genres Drama
Language DVD: English
Released DVD: 27 Sep 1999
Production year: 1996
Format DVD

  • Critics' reviews (5) of The Fan

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  • 2 stars out of 5

    Robert De Niro plays the psycho fan from hell and the object of his obsession is baseball star Wesley Snipes in this misfiring thriller from Tony Scott. When Snipes is out of form and the San Francisco Giants hit a losing streak, pitiful loser De Niro moves into action with fatal consequences. Despite being directed by Scott with his trademark flash and dash, the sometimes over-vigorous use of mannered camera angles does nothing for an implausible plot that's short of both suspense and surprise. Scott's ace card is De Niro putting on his Taxi Driver act to good effect once more. For even though the edgy persona is familiar, it's all this vulgar exploitation essay has to offer.

    • Radio Times
    • Posted 29 Jan 2006

  • A hyperactive thriller that makes little effort to investigate the fraught relationship between fan and hero; the emphasis here is on shock and sensation.

    • Halliwell's Film Guide
    • Posted 02 Mar 2006

  • Most helpful member's review of The Fan

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  • 3 out of 4 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 2 stars

    The Fan

    Okay, so its a bit predictable. However, it is still definitely worth a watch if just for de Niro playing a slightly more psychotic Willy Loman. It is based on baseball, but it's not necessary to be an expert - it could equally apply to Beckham & co.

      • enfor from London
      • Posted 20 Oct 2003 11:44

  • Most recent members' review of The Fan

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  • 1 out of 1 person found this review helpful

    Rated - 3 stars

    This could be true

    Unfortunately this film rings true to life - look at what happended to Monica Seles when she was stabbed by a rival fan.

    Portrays a great storyline of when sport becomes a persons life and can't understand why his 'hero' treats it like a game.

      • A customer from Kent
      • Posted 21 Feb 2005 13:30

  • News and features

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    The Fan

    Three more Star Wars films on the cards?

    • 23 Aug 2004

    Star Wars supremo George Lucas might make a further three films in the highly successful franchise after the final prequel Revenge of the Sith is completed. Fan website Theforce.net has reported that employees from Lucas's special effects firm Industrial Light And Magic (ILM) have been forced to sign non-disclosure agreements, promising not to speak about plans surrounding episodes seven, eight and nine of the series. But insiders predict the Indiana Jones director could well make new films -... Read more

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Rating breakdown

2,193 Member ratings
  • 100
80
  • 90
96
  • 80
218
  • 70
342
  • 60
577
  • 50
347
  • 40
279
  • 30
148
  • 20
71
  • 10
35

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    • The Fan

    • The Fan
      Quick-tempered Gil Renard (Robert De Niro) has an ex-wife who hates him, a son who fears him, and a job that he's about to lose. The only thing that this down-on-his-luck knife salesman can count on is baseball. He's a loyal, die hard fan, specifically when it comes to his favorite player, Bobby ...