And it delivered! Peter Falk as a contract mob killer plays his role to perfection, and is reason alone to watch this movie.
First is the very surprising brutality on display. The violence doesn't need blood and gore to be both horrific and convincing. The direction of these scenes is also very brave. There isn't any stylization or glorification - just rapid action that surprises the viewer as much as the victims. Obviously all part of the performance, but you get my point.
Rarely does a villain so clearly evil remain interesting throughout a film, but there is something to Falk's performance that is constantly fascinating. His look, the way he carries himself, and the constant self-serving, unapologetic dialog all come together to define a deeply disturbed criminal. He's also completely egotistical and self centered, and often questions those around him who don't acquiesce to his singular world view. It is an absolute clinic on how to successfully play an iconic villain, and it wouldn't surprise me if actors like Joe Pesci studied this movie in preparation for similar roles. There's an ease and comfort level to every moment he's on camera, and one wonders where the actor begins and the character ends.
It is quite possible Peter didn't want to play characters like this moving on, but it is a shame. I always been a fan of his presence in anything, but watching this movie, I wonder what other dark roles he could have wowed audiences.
What about the movie itself? It's not bad. There are very dated montage sequences with a voiceover that fill major gaps in the plot, and only one or two other performances come close to Falk's. There are some priceless exchanges of dialog between characters though - any time anyone stands up to Falk, and the inevitable explosive reactions are wildly entertaining. The movie is built on a historical facts, and this film represents an interesting era of killers for hire in the world of organized crime.
I absolutely loved the look of this movie. The black and white film stock seems perfect for the content, and never was I upset with any camera placement or move - which speaks to great direction, and a camera man who understood the content and never gets in the way of performances or story.
My appreciation exists between pretty narrow margins, but I can't stress enough: if your a fan of crime drama's, villainous performances or Peter Falk - this is an absolute must watch.
completely satisfied 7 out of 10
First is the very surprising brutality on display. The violence doesn't need blood and gore to be both horrific and convincing. The direction of these scenes is also very brave. There isn't any stylization or glorification - just rapid action that surprises the viewer as much as the victims. Obviously all part of the performance, but you get my point.
Rarely does a villain so clearly evil remain interesting throughout a film, but there is something to Falk's performance that is constantly fascinating. His look, the way he carries himself, and the constant self-serving, unapologetic dialog all come together to define a deeply disturbed criminal. He's also completely egotistical and self centered, and often questions those around him who don't acquiesce to his singular world view. It is an absolute clinic on how to successfully play an iconic villain, and it wouldn't surprise me if actors like Joe Pesci studied this movie in preparation for similar roles. There's an ease and comfort level to every moment he's on camera, and one wonders where the actor begins and the character ends.
It is quite possible Peter didn't want to play characters like this moving on, but it is a shame. I always been a fan of his presence in anything, but watching this movie, I wonder what other dark roles he could have wowed audiences.
What about the movie itself? It's not bad. There are very dated montage sequences with a voiceover that fill major gaps in the plot, and only one or two other performances come close to Falk's. There are some priceless exchanges of dialog between characters though - any time anyone stands up to Falk, and the inevitable explosive reactions are wildly entertaining. The movie is built on a historical facts, and this film represents an interesting era of killers for hire in the world of organized crime.
I absolutely loved the look of this movie. The black and white film stock seems perfect for the content, and never was I upset with any camera placement or move - which speaks to great direction, and a camera man who understood the content and never gets in the way of performances or story.
My appreciation exists between pretty narrow margins, but I can't stress enough: if your a fan of crime drama's, villainous performances or Peter Falk - this is an absolute must watch.
completely satisfied 7 out of 10