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Taking Lives - 3/19/04 - R - 103m
Angelina Jolie - Illeana
Ethan Hawke - Costa
Kiefer Sutherland - Hart
Director: D. J. Caruso
Written by: Michael Pye (Novel)
Jon Bokenkamp (Screenplay)
Studio: Warner Bros.
Official
Website
JEF
Yes, another thriller suspense film, whose ending became apparent from the very beginning. I’m beginning to believe this is just from seeing so many films. You know the writer is always going to do the obvious switch of the person who you would “least” expect is the killer. It is meant to be a surprise, but because everyone does it, it is so obvious.
My apologies if this gives away part of the film. I don’t think it will, because it’s that obvious.
Storyline: Agent Illeana (Angelina Jolie) is an FBI agent helping out with a murder investigation in Canada. The movie doesn’t quite make it clear if this is just a personal mission of Agent Illeana’s or if this is an official assignment, In which case I don’t know what jurisdiction she would have in a foreign country? Anyway, The killer makes a mistake and is seen by Costa (Ethan Hawke) who is an art dealer, who since he’s an artist, does a good job of sketching the killers profile. The Authorities go on a cat and mouse chase to try and corner the killer.
I could go on more with the storyline, but I don’t wish to give away too much of the film. That was actually what I enjoyed about this film, that even though you know the ending, I still enjoyed the telling of the story. Kinda like seeing a movie based on a historical event. You know the Titanic is going to sink in the end, but the story up to that point is the basis of the film.
Angelina did a pretty good job, playing the slightly crazy or obsessed FBI agent. I wonder how much of a stretch that was for her, to play a character who seems obsessed with death, this being the same person who carried a vial of her Ex-husbands blood around her neck. Even so, it was a good job. Ethan Hawke did a pretty good job too. It was a tough role, but I think he played it well. One of the reasons I wanted to see this film was because of Kiefer Sutherland, but I was disappointed his screen time was very limited.
This is also one of those movies that you can’t really think too much about. For example, why was the Canadian Officer so angry with her for being there. At one point he slaps her… why? It just seemed so out of place. As I mentioned above, why was her character there in the first place. There are hints that she knew one of the Canadian agents from before, but we the viewer, are not told under what circumstances.
I have to admit too that Lyn picked up on a few points that I did not. Perhaps that’s why I was able to enjoy it a little more than he.
I’m really struggling with giving this film a green light, but because of knowing the killer from the get go, I’m knocking off points for that, and for the holes in the storyline. Other than that, don’t try to over think this film. Don’t try to figure it out. Just sit back, and eat some popcorn, drink some soda, and have a good time for 2 hours.
Jef
PS> just thought it might be worth mentioning that this film was rated R for “strong violence including disturbing images, language and some sexuality”… I will agree that. Some of the images were graphic. Not for those with a weak stomach.
