Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Man on Fire: Both Halves of Revenge Given on Full

This is a DVD Review of the two-disc Man on Fire: Extended Edition. Specifically, the 2004 remake. If there are two brother-directors I will see any movie of, it is Ridley and Tony Scott, who also own Scott Free Productions, a studio set for historical movies and experimental editing. It was this production that brought us Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven. The brothers are vastly different and incredible in their distinctive, artful movies. Man on Fire is a great exercise on editing and how simplified, but creative action can define characters more than the biggest shoot-outs.

Man on Fire follows former U.S. Special Forces Operative, John Creasy (Tony favorite Danzel Washington). Hunted by a past we never know the specifics of, he is now a suicidial drunk, finding comfort in his war buddy living in Mexico City, Rayburn (Chirstopher Walken). Creasy finds a job as a body-guard for a wealthy Mexican businessman, protecting his daughter Pita (Dakota Fanning). At first they are reclusive. Creasy does the job to pay bills and afford the alcohol. When he has drunken memories, he is suicidial and calls Rayburn. Development of a friendship with Pita is not a priority, but slowly the two bond. He becomes a father figure to her and applies his combat training to teach her and motivate her in swimming competitions.

Of course, as with anyone with too much skill in military tactics, the movie drops us hints as to what will be the second half, the second hour of the movie, from when Pita is kidnapped. The money drop-off goes bad and Pita is not heard from again. Creasy builds himself back up and delivers justice in a calm manner. His victims try to plead, saying they were only being professionals, only doing their job. Creasy calmly replies he is a professional. He is calm, a step above everyone in his way, and uses creative methods to insure he gets the accurate answers.

What makes Man on Fire unique is its depth, sometimes too much focus on pathos, to develop the characters. Creasy is not generic. He is written not for the macho action movie, but as a convincing opponent in the business of taking down kidnappers. A great example of this is he does not engage in the machoism of hand-to-hand combat most action movies feel obligated to include. His weapon is the gun, and he sticks to it. Crowded areas he carries a shotgun, public he uses a pistol. When he's suicidial, it is shown by him pointing the gun at his own head.

Another aspect is Dakota Fanning's performance. She is natural on-screen, seeming like a kid instead of a child-actress reading lines. Paired with well-experienced Washington, the two blend and gives off a natural feel, as though we're watching documentary instead of a movie. It isn't until music kicks in and the innovative subtitles pop up that we remember what we're watching.

This is the kick in the second half. Scott flips back and forth between Spanish and English. When Spanish is used, subtitles appear as people speak. Surprise words pop up, important words are large, and when it's conversation, the translation rolls out as the actors speak them, making a particular punchline effective in two languages. Flashy camera work and transitions keep the editing on its toes. This could be called abusing the camera, making the camera focus on something to make the audience think it's importance (the story and actors should lead the camera, not vice versa). But transitions come quick to calm snapshots when the scenes not full of action and more emotional. Street corners are introduced flashy with music preceeding action, so we know the action is around the corner.

Is it entertaining? Yes. Although it tests our patience at moments with unnecessary pathos in the second half - scenes that seem as repeats of previous scenes - it carries us through with memorable moments.

Is it marketable? Yes. Scott, Washington, and Fanning appeal to multiple audiences, be it with emotion, style, pathos, memorable lines, or a job well done.

Is it memorable? Yes. If not for the reasons above, the movie is worth a spot on your shelf for a single scene with an explosive and Creasy interrigating a kidnapper will give you your money's worth. The scene bring laughs and just desserts, which, as the tagline states, "Revenge is a dish best served cold."

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