Film4 / BFI collaboration
This is an art-house, violent, action, thriller with a beating soundtrack.
Adapted from Jonathan Ames's novel of a broken and tormented ex-military vigilante played by Joaquin Phoenix, hired to rescue a girl from a sex ring.
Gripping and dark, this is a different kind of action film. To begin with Phoenix's character resembles an icy Liam Neeson 'Taken' character, but slowly we see flashbacks that imply he had an abused childhood, the character and story skilfully develop to only ever be implied. But not only brutal violence, Phoenix also shows some emotional, tender moments when highlighting scenes involving his mother.
I like dialogue heavy films, but Phoenix gives an intense performance of a character with very little to say. However, his actions and expressions speak volumes.
The themes explored are: Revenge, torment, abuse, brutal violence, pedophilia and suicide.
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