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'The Taking of Pelham 123'
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Director Tony Scott seems to be a hit or miss filmmaker, some of his films are mesmerizing (True Romance) or intriguing (Enemy of the State), and some of his films are overblown, over directed (Deja Vu). Scott's latest film is a complete knockout, grabbing the viewer from the opening credits and never loosening its grip. The film is a remake of a Joseph Sargent film from 1974, starring Walter Mathau. The 2009 version is adapted for a post September 11th audience, and the film feels completely new, exciting, and intense, Scott easily redeems himself for any previous missteps.
The film takes off from the first minute, the viewer is introduced to Walter Garber (Denzel Washington, who changed his character's name in memoriam to Mathau). Garber, an aging dispatcher, finds himself the unlucky man caught on the other end of the microphone with a train hijacked by crazed individuals, who the news claims are "terrorists." The hijackers are led by Ryder (John Travolta), a mysterious tattooed, angry man who builds a relationship with Garber, so much so he only wants to speak with him. It soon becomes evident Garber is not an innocent caught in the middle, he is undergoing investigation for allegedly taking a bribe while holding a higher position. Garber and Ryder shoot the breeze, killing an hour while Ryder waits for the city to pay his ten million dollar ransom for safe return of the passengers. Throw in a seasoned hostage negotiator, Camonetti (John Turturro), as well as an embittered mayor (James Gandolfini), who along with Garber have to beat an impending deadline that will end with dead bodies. The film builds to an intense climax that is bombarded by action and suspense.
Washington and Travolta could easily be making amends for some of their own missteps in their careers from the recent past. Washington, who starred in Scott's Deja Vu, is better then ever as Garber. Washington plays Garber exactly with vulnerability and confusion. Garber, who is not a complete innocent, comes off empathetic as well as aggressive. Washington displays the talent he is so known for. Travolta holds his own as the ferocious Ryder. Travolta easily mends the wounds from such films as Ladder 49 and Wild Hogs. Travolta has played a villain many times before (Broken Arrow, Swordfish), but Ryder feels like a completely authentic character. Travolta, like Washington, brings dimension to his character, showing more then just one emotion, and making Ryder more then just the villain. Turturro is an actor who never seems to receive the respect he so rightly deserves, his role in the film is characteristic of the actor; he is directly on-point, playing Camonetti with compassion as well as an intense drive to do his job. Finally, Gandolfini is a refreshing sight. It seems to have been a while since seeing the actor following the magnificent finale of The Sopranos. Gandolfini is both bitter and thoughtful as the mayor, with a dry humor, the role is a nice contrast to Tony Soprano.
Scott has a tendency to over-direct his films, in Man on Fire and Domino he basically wrote the script on the bottom of the screen. Scott draws his stories out and makes films that can become confusing as well as tedious to watch. The Taking of Pelham 123 is nothing like the films that make Scott a spotty director at best. The story is set in motion instantly and it does not let up. Scott uses a time clock, which flashes on the screen to indicate the dwindling deadline, but besides the count-down, Scott utilizes actual film technique to build suspense. Scott's camera is quick and jumps from the station to the train, but it is handled in such a way that the film pulls the viewer to the edge of their seat. It could be daunting, trying to craft an action film that is mostly telephone conversation, but the actors are filmed in such a way that the discussions are much more then simply talking. The film is not overdrawn or overdone, it is simply a thrilling ride.
The Taking of Pelham 123 has a lot of players with a lot of credentials as well as a lot of mistakes. Scott directs a film with two main actors who have a long resume of film work. Washington and Travolta pair well, and the two make the film move effortlessly. Scott tones his directing trademarks down, which makes the film shine, and Scott seems to allow the actors as well as the script be the main attraction, not his flashy, extended fall-back style. The film is exciting and thrilling, any reservations about viewing the film should be overcome because The Taking of Pelham 123 could easily be the best blockbuster of the summer months.
To learn more about this film log on to: www.imdb.com/title/tt1111422
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