 home | index |
|
|
HOME > QUIPSOGRAPHY > PRISONERS (2013) > PAGE 2 Hugh Jackman is an astounding force of nature throughout. If you saw his master class performance in Les Misérables (2012), you will see the same high calibre from Jackman here. His character's fatherly protectiveness down-spiralling beyond crazed vigilantism is both strikingly believable and tangibly horrifying to watch materialize. Never mind the full-bodied feral rage Jackman unleashes as Wolverine in those comic book flicks. It's laughable compared to his volcanic portrayal here as Keller Dover, increasingly frantic and frustrated over what's happened to his vanished six-year-old daughter. However, what truly makes Jackman's performance great is in how you see Dover's struggle between God-fearing humanity and cruel vengeance. In one scene, Dover attempts to check his fury by dropping to his knees to recite the Lord's Prayer, only to choke on the word "forgive". Any parent would likely relate under the same circumstances, if not react with exactly the same ghastly, escalating violence if put face-to-face with their missing child's accused kidnapper. Top marks also go to Paul Dano for his unblinking endurance in the difficult role of Alex Jones, a mentally challenged adult accused of the kidnappings but released for lack of hard evidence who then falls prey to Dover's brutally intense need for answers that systematically mashes Jones to a pulpy tortured mess. Kudos as well to Jake Gyllenhaal portraying a slightly complex, off-beat local cop often struggling to remain emotionless while navigating his way against time through a seemingly never-ending maze of disconnected clues. It's not his most memorable performance to date, but definitely noteworthy for his strong use of nuance and silent expression throughout. Unfortunately, on-screen work from the majority of the remaining primary supporting cast that includes Maria Bello, Viola Davis, and Terrence Howard, as Dover's shattered wife Holly and their grief-crippled neighbours Nancy and Franklin Birch respectively, feels rather diluted by comparison. This obviously isn't an ensemble movie. However, all of the above-mentioned actors are major proven talents - some of whom really should have been given far meatier, story-affecting parts than these somewhat unimportant roles afford them. Prisoners is yet another triumph for director Villeneuve. If you're a fan of intense crime thrillers, absolutely do yourself a huge favour and check out this over-all incredibly intriguing and thought-provoking crowd pleaser showcasing some phenomenal talent and an immensely satisfying story. It's definitely one of the best flicks I've seen this year so far. It's a chilling maze that will likely stick with you long after the closing credits have rolled. Awesome. Reviewed 09/13, © Stephen Bourne. (Read more) Click here for the Prisoners pressbook review Prisoners is rated 14A by the
Ontario Film Review Board, citing occasional gory/grotesque images,
mild sexual references, coarse language, occasional upsetting
or disturbing scenes, and violent acts shown in clear, unequivocal
and realistic detail with blood and tissue damage, and is rated
13+ by la Régie du Cinéma in Québec. REFERENCE: |
|
|
Stephen Bourne's Movie Quips © Stephen Bourne. Moviequips.ca and moviequips.com are the property of Stephen Bourne. All content of this website is owned by Stephen Bourne, unless obviously not (such as possible reference links, movie synopsis and/or posters featured under the terms of fair use) or attributed otherwise. This website is based in Ottawa, Canada. |
|
