The most successful and popular thrillers are most often directed by experienced filmmakers who heavily feature big-budget stunts and special effects. But first-time feature film helmer Asger Leth proved that movies in the genre don’t just have to feature stunts to drive the plot forward. His new movie ‘Man on a Ledge,’ which is now playing at area Long Island movie theaters and was filmed at such locations as the Grumman Corporation airspace in Bethpage and the Nassau County Jail in East Meadow, proves that character development and interaction can be just as engaging.
‘Man on a Ledge’ follows ex-officer Nick Cassidy (played by Sam Worthington), who is sentenced to 25 years in prison after he’s framed for stealing a rare, prized diamond from real estate mogul David Englande (portrayed by Ed Harris). After escaping from officers during his father’s funeral, Nick goes on the run to prove his innocence. He climbs on the ledge of The Roosevelt Hotel, urging all of New York City to watch him as he fights for his freedom.
While Nick stands on the hotel’s ledge, his brother Joey (played by Jamie Bell) and his girlfriend Angie (portrayed by Genesis Rodriguez) search for the diamond in David’s vault, to prove it was never stolen. Nick also demands that Lydia Mercer (played by Elizabeth Banks) be the one who negotiates with him, much to the puzzlement of fellow negotiator Jack Dougherty (portrayed by Edward Burns). While Lydia has been on leave for the past month after her last negotiation notoriously failed, Nick feels that she’s the only one who will understand his struggle.
While Worthington is primarily known for his performances in such sci-fi/action films as ‘Avatar’ and ‘Clash of the Titans,’ Leth made the right decision in hiring the actor to play Nick in ‘Man on a Ledge.’ Worthington convincingly portrayed the character’s struggle to prove his innocence, and not allow David and the rest of the rich and powerful of New York determine his future. Nick embodies everyone’s, particularly the working class’, desire to stand up for their freedom and rights. He wouldn’t let anyone, especially David, determine the course of his life, even if it meant making enemies along the way.
Worthington also had an intriguing, believable working relationship with Banks. The two became comfortable enough with each other to make it seem realistic that Lydia, the main character Nick interacts with, would put her job on the line to help him. Lydia offers the perfect dynamic to Nick, as she understands the worlds’ criticism and questioning of his actions.
As Nick pushes forward in his effort to prove his innocence throughout the course of ‘Man on a Ledge,’ Lydia comes to understand that her career and life don’t have to be defined by how others perceive her. His determination convinces her to prove to Jack and the rest of the world that she deserves to be back at work, and that she should always trust her instincts.
While Leth included the big-budget special effects and stunts to keep the plotline of ‘Man on a Ledge’ entertaining and thrilling, the most engaging aspect of the film is the bond between Worthington and Banks and their characters. Though they have both been criticized and judged by the world for different reasons, Nick and Lydia both perfectly understand the other’s struggle to take hold of their future. The one false accusation against Nick gave them both the determination and drive to fight back against those who had wronged them.
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