Post by ZapRowsdower on Oct 18, 2005 0:33:37 GMT -5
Domino (2005)
Keira Knightley, Mickey Rourke, Edgar Ramirez, Lucy Liu, Christopher Walken
Written by Richard Kelly
Directed by Tony Scott
I had been looking forward to this film for a long time. I consider myself quite the fan of Tony Scott's work - particularly Man on Fire, which I feel was one of the better-directed films of 2004. Was I surprised to see that the critics didn't like this one? Not at all. Critics seem much harder to impress as of late, and they weren't too fond of Man on Fire either. Many have complained that this film was all style, no substance. Having seen it, I assure you this is not the case.
Domino definitely has substance to it. It has a darkly comic screenplay and very entertaining performances all over. Keira Knightley knocked me out. She was bad-ass, wicked and sexy. Her chemistry with Rourke and Ramirez was spot on, and the three of them made a very fun trio to watch. Christopher Walken... Christopher fucking Walken. What more can I say?
As mentioned before, I really liked the darkly comic screenplay. It's a funny, well-paced script that complements a fine tale of three bounty hunters caught in one seriously screwed up situation. The "substance" of the film is not lacking, it is abundant in the story, in the script, and in the actors. There's plenty of substance to go around. But the "style" on the other hand...
You'd think someone like Tony Scott would be able to stop himself from overdoing it in terms of style. But he didn't. Instead, his directorial technique (which I loved so much in Man on Fire) was toned up about fifteen notches... to the point where if you're prone to seizures, I suggest you avoid this film. About eight times during the film, I can hear the synapses in my brain going "Go to the bathroom or something! We can't work this fast!" And I did stand up at one point to go to the bathroom. I must make note to not drink so much coke while watching movies. But back to Tony Scott, his direction was surprisingly the weakest aspect of the film, to the point where it hinders one's ability to enjoy it.
This is one of those films that, while I don't agree with the critics, I can understand why they don't like it. Sure, the film has a lot going for it, but it falls short on one very important aspect: the direction. That surprises me, because I have always considered Tony Scott a fine director. I hope he learns from his directorial failure. This could have been one of the best films of the year.
Premise - I really enjoy unauthorized biography-type movies. If you liked Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, this isn't much different.
20/20
Acting - Keira Knightley, Mickey Rourke, Edgar Ramirez, Lucy Liu, Christopher Walken, and a few surprise guests.
18/20
Screenwriting - Deliciously dark and humorous.
16/20
Direction - Overly stylish, dizzying, vomit and seizure inducing three or four times over... Tony Scott definitely went on a power trip in this one.
6/20
Oscar Predictions:
Nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role (Keira Knightley)... probably not, but she was good enough for it.
75%
Keira Knightley, Mickey Rourke, Edgar Ramirez, Lucy Liu, Christopher Walken
Written by Richard Kelly
Directed by Tony Scott
I had been looking forward to this film for a long time. I consider myself quite the fan of Tony Scott's work - particularly Man on Fire, which I feel was one of the better-directed films of 2004. Was I surprised to see that the critics didn't like this one? Not at all. Critics seem much harder to impress as of late, and they weren't too fond of Man on Fire either. Many have complained that this film was all style, no substance. Having seen it, I assure you this is not the case.
Domino definitely has substance to it. It has a darkly comic screenplay and very entertaining performances all over. Keira Knightley knocked me out. She was bad-ass, wicked and sexy. Her chemistry with Rourke and Ramirez was spot on, and the three of them made a very fun trio to watch. Christopher Walken... Christopher fucking Walken. What more can I say?
As mentioned before, I really liked the darkly comic screenplay. It's a funny, well-paced script that complements a fine tale of three bounty hunters caught in one seriously screwed up situation. The "substance" of the film is not lacking, it is abundant in the story, in the script, and in the actors. There's plenty of substance to go around. But the "style" on the other hand...
You'd think someone like Tony Scott would be able to stop himself from overdoing it in terms of style. But he didn't. Instead, his directorial technique (which I loved so much in Man on Fire) was toned up about fifteen notches... to the point where if you're prone to seizures, I suggest you avoid this film. About eight times during the film, I can hear the synapses in my brain going "Go to the bathroom or something! We can't work this fast!" And I did stand up at one point to go to the bathroom. I must make note to not drink so much coke while watching movies. But back to Tony Scott, his direction was surprisingly the weakest aspect of the film, to the point where it hinders one's ability to enjoy it.
This is one of those films that, while I don't agree with the critics, I can understand why they don't like it. Sure, the film has a lot going for it, but it falls short on one very important aspect: the direction. That surprises me, because I have always considered Tony Scott a fine director. I hope he learns from his directorial failure. This could have been one of the best films of the year.
Premise - I really enjoy unauthorized biography-type movies. If you liked Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, this isn't much different.
20/20
Acting - Keira Knightley, Mickey Rourke, Edgar Ramirez, Lucy Liu, Christopher Walken, and a few surprise guests.
18/20
Screenwriting - Deliciously dark and humorous.
16/20
Direction - Overly stylish, dizzying, vomit and seizure inducing three or four times over... Tony Scott definitely went on a power trip in this one.
6/20
Oscar Predictions:
Nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role (Keira Knightley)... probably not, but she was good enough for it.
75%
