Post by richardburton on Feb 1, 2008 10:09:24 GMT 1
I expected good things from this and wasn't disappointed. Viggo Mortensen and Naomi Watts play the two leads directed by Cronenberg.
Viggo plays Nikolai, a Russian mobster who is part of a ruthless Russian crime family in London. His carefully maintained existence is jarred when he crosses paths with Anna (Naomi Watts), an innocent midwife trying to right a wrong, who accidentally uncovers potential evidence against the family. A harrowing chain of murder, deceit, and retribution follows.
The acting is flawless throughout - Viggo in particular is extremely convincing in both his physical and mental portrayal of a very dangerous man, the camera work paints a bleak, mostly raining and cold picture of London, Cronenberg's direction is simplistic - rarely using nor needing gimicky shots or angles.
From earlier reviews (and the fact Cronenberg is the director) I figured it would be pretty violent, but it actually wasn't as bad as I thought. There are 3 scenes that are nasty and would have the more faint-hearted squirming in their seats, but overall it isn't a violent film. It is a story about 2 very different people who cross paths and are forever changed by their encounter.
A very good film.
Viggo plays Nikolai, a Russian mobster who is part of a ruthless Russian crime family in London. His carefully maintained existence is jarred when he crosses paths with Anna (Naomi Watts), an innocent midwife trying to right a wrong, who accidentally uncovers potential evidence against the family. A harrowing chain of murder, deceit, and retribution follows.
The acting is flawless throughout - Viggo in particular is extremely convincing in both his physical and mental portrayal of a very dangerous man, the camera work paints a bleak, mostly raining and cold picture of London, Cronenberg's direction is simplistic - rarely using nor needing gimicky shots or angles.
From earlier reviews (and the fact Cronenberg is the director) I figured it would be pretty violent, but it actually wasn't as bad as I thought. There are 3 scenes that are nasty and would have the more faint-hearted squirming in their seats, but overall it isn't a violent film. It is a story about 2 very different people who cross paths and are forever changed by their encounter.
A very good film.
