Peneflix MOVIE REVIEWS BY PENEFLIX
Director Gus Van Sant’s (“Good Will Hunting”, “Milk”) latest trophy movie is shockingly, provocatively realistic, mimicking the actual 1977 debacle, featuring the kidnapping of business magnet Richard Hall by disgruntled, depressed victim Tony Kiritsis, in Indianapolis. Actors Dacre Montgomery (Richard Hall) and Bill Skarsgard (Tony Kiritsis) are splendidly magnificent in their roles: Richard, with a shotgun strapped to his neck, must gingerly maneuver, knowing one cumbrous movement could end his life, viewers sympathize with his dilemma; Tony is a complex gentleman, unmarried, whose job is his life, and it has been ruined by the Meridian Mortgage Company, owned by the Halls; with devious naivety, insouciant charm, acknowledging his friends among the police, brings Richard to his own apartment and dictates his waivers, demands from the comforts of home; impossible not to like and admire, his jocular humor, tempered kindness toward Richard are resplendent, he is a worthy “host” ; there are ebullient, brilliant scenes where both protagonists reveal their souls. Wonderfully, Tony engages his favored radio personality D. J. Fred Temple (Colman Domingo gives a superb silver-tongued, honey-voiced portrayal) to aid and understand his anti-establishment cause. A turning point in the film is the telephone conversation between Richard and his father, M.L. Hall, vacationing in Florida; Al Pacino with fashionable flourish and slimy guile, defends his business practices and will not apologize to save his son’s life.
Van Sant’s “Dead Man’s Wire”, auteurship stupefies with 1970’s legitimacy; cars, wardrobes, hairstyles; African Americans breaking the stereotypical hamstring roles, Myha’la (“Industry”) sears as struggling reporter, Linda Page, realism triumphs standardized, platitudinous, formulaic motifs.
FOUR STARS!!!!
Peneflix
