In 1985, Arnold Schwarzenegger, renowned for his iconic roles in hits like The Terminator and Conan the Barbarian, starred in a distinct Arnold Schwarzenegger action thriller titled Raw Deal. Unlike his usual larger-than-life characters, this film took him into a dark, noir-inspired narrative. Now, audiences can watch Raw Deal for free on Tubi, allowing a fresh look at this lesser-known chapter of Schwarzenegger’s career.
A Different Path for Schwarzenegger in the Mid-1980s
Raw Deal was directed by John Irvin, a British filmmaker known for projects like Hamburger Hill, and was scripted by Gary DeVore and Norman Wexler. Despite a $10 million budget, the movie earned only $16 million worldwide, making it one of Schwarzenegger’s rare box office disappointments. Following this, he bounced back the next year with the success of Predator. Schwarzenegger has spoken positively about his experience working with Irvin, whom he called “a real actor’s director,” attributing the collaboration to improvements in his own acting skills.
The Story Behind Raw Deal
In the film, Schwarzenegger portrays Mark Kaminski, a former top FBI agent who suffers a setback orchestrated by prosecutor Marvin Baxter after Kaminski’s aggressive methods in handling a suspect. Now a small-town sheriff living with his troubled wife, Kaminski is recruited again by his mentor Harry Shannon after Shannon’s son is killed due to a mole leaking FBI secrets to the mob. Undercover as Joseph P. Brenner, Kaminski infiltrates Chicago’s criminal underworld, encountering a dangerous circle of mobsters, a determined local cop, and a mysterious femme fatale. Along the way, Kaminski discovers that Baxter himself may be involved in the corruption, opening the door for Kaminski to turn the tables.
Impact and Legacy Behind the Scenes
Although Raw Deal did not perform well at the box office, it indirectly influenced Schwarzenegger’s career success. Producer Dino De Laurentiis had planned the film to help fund his science fiction project Total Recall. When Raw Deal underperformed, De Laurentiis sold Total Recall’s rights to Carolco Pictures, who later produced the film starring Schwarzenegger. This connection helped propel Schwarzenegger to enduring fame in the action genre.
Now Available for Streaming
Raw Deal is currently accessible for free streaming on Tubi, giving fans and newcomers alike a chance to experience this unconventional Schwarzenegger role. This release adds to the array of Arnold Schwarzenegger action thriller films that shaped his career during the 1980s.
