Genre: Drama/Crime Starring: Robert De Niro, Edward Norton, Milla Jovovich, Frances Conroy, Enver Gjokaj, Pepper Binkley Director: John Curran Rating: M18 (Sexual Scenes & Coarse Language) Year Made: 2010
SPECIAL
FEATURES
- NIL
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
Languages: English Subtitles: English Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 Sound: Dolby Digital Running Time: 1 hr 45 mins Region Code: 3 Distributor: Scorpio East
SYNOPSIS:
Academy Award® winner Robert De Niro and Oscar® nominee Edward Norton deliver powerful performances as a seasoned corrections official and a scheming inmate whose lives become dangerously intertwined in this “gritty and engrossing thriller” (Steve O’Brien, WCBS-FM). Jack Mabry (De Niro), a parole officer days away from retirement, is asked to review the case of Gerald “Stone” Creeson (Norton), in prison for arson. Now eligible for early release, Stone needs to convince Jack he has reformed, but his attempts to influence the older man’s decision with his wife Lucetta (Milla Jovovich) have profound and unexpected effects on them both. This tale of passion, betrayal and corruption skillfully weaves together the parallel journeys of two men grappling with dark impulses, as the line between lawman and lawbreaker becomes precariously thin.
MOVIE
REVIEW:
And we thought it was bad when veteran actor
Robert De Niro played a granddaddy who had an erectile dysfunction
in 2010’s Little Fockers. The Academy Award winner,
who is also considered to be one of the greatest actors of
his generation, must have lost quite a bit of dignity in that
movie (which was considered one of the worst in 2010, actually),
but wait till what he is up to in this John Curran directed
movie, which never made it to local theatres.
De Niro plays a parole officer who has to
look into the case of a convicted arsonist in his last days
as a lawman. Mind games are played, dark pasts are revealed,
and people are manipulated in the most unimaginable way. Now,
imagine a sweet young thing like Milla Jovovich seducing De
Niro in some very sexed up scenes – how can anyone not
go open-mouthed watching at them?
The screenplay by Angus MacLachlan is based
on a play he wrote in 2000. The story does play out like a
stage production though, with its events unfolding through
a series of quietly devastating affairs. Playing the convicted
arsonist is the ever wonderful Edward Norton. Just his chilling
voice alone is enough to make you sit up and watch his portrayal
of a man who is determined by any means to assure parole.
It is also interesting to note that his character’s
name Gerald “Stone” Creeson plays a significant
role in the symbolism of the film (hence its one word title).
De Niro effortlessly pulls off his role again,
playing the correctional officer who is only weeks away from
retirement. The events that take place will uncover some shady
pasts, as well as bring him to places he never thought he
would go. Without revealing too much, you can watch out for
the seduction scenes to get an idea how far the acclaimed
actor went to play this character. Jovovich is sexy as usual,
and the sight of her topless is enough to make any male viewer
go weak in the knees. Rounding up the wonderful cast is Frances
Conroy as De Niro’s wife. Her performance in one of
the final climatic scene (hint: it involves fire) is so unsettlingly
distressing, you’d wonder what kind of trauma the character
went through before crumbling to present state.
This 105 minute film is highly recommended,
despite it being a difficult movie to sit through. There are
some nice imageries and symbolisms which complement the characters’
personalities. There are great performances throughout. But
the themes explored are sinister, and brings out the worst
in human nature. However, if you think about it, without these
ugly sides of the human race, how can we reflect on our present
state?
SPECIAL FEATURES :
NIL.
AUDIO/VISUAL:
The visual transfer of the movie is pristine and
clear. It is presented in its original English audio track.
