Collin Farrell and Noomi Rapace star in a rote but enjoyable thriller.
Walking into Dead Man Down is an intriguing experience.
Plus, hes Hellbent on doing it withHISgirl.
However, Rapaces Beatrice is no Lisbeth Salander.
She is a true victim haunted by past pains and searching for new ways to cope.
This is the story of Victor (Colin Farrell) and his long journey through Hell.
Amidst all the confusion and bloodletting, Victor saves the bosss life from a stray bullet.
This endears Victor evermore to the man he so meticulously has driven to outright madness.
For initially unknown reasons, Victor is determined to force Alphonse to the edge before presumably pushing him over.
Across the street, the lonely girl with whom he flirts every evening, watches and waits.
It seems the psychological damage is still left unattended.
She makes a deal with Victor.
A pain they can now share when it threatens their mutual annihilation.
Dead Man Down works best when it wallows in that bleakness.
Every character in movie film is in search of absolution and relief from being wronged.
The sense of loss and anguish is cultivated by the ensemble like a fine wine.
His internalized agony is nicely complimented by the equally miserable Rapace.
Dead Man Down works is at its most involving during the curiously quiet scenes between its two leads.
Misery may not love company, but it savors a shared righteous fury.
However, the picture is intent first and foremost to be a crime story.
Howard is excellent as the storys underwritten heavy.
Alphonse is both a clever man but annoyingly oblivious to the glaring clues of a threat within.
Especially when it is in relation to the sweet, sweet suffering of Farrell and Rapace.
These two might be in a strong drama, even if it isnt this movie.
Den of Geek Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars
Rating:
3 out of 5
