Fate can be very cruel at times. That's the conflict Gavin Banek (Ben Affleck) and Doyle Gibson (Samuel L. Jackson) share in CHANGING LANES, a great psychological thriller. What began as a small accident on FDR Drive in Manhattan between the two characters escalates into a
tense battle of wits and nerves as Doyle and Gavin struggle to get
what they really want to accomplish on that very day, and how they try to mess each other up at the same time.
This movie gave me my own conflict: who to root for and sympathize
with. At first, Jackson's problems with trying to keep custody of his two children, and how much his life is in deep shambles made me want to keep my utmost feelings for. How Gavin thoughtlessly left
Doyle in the middle of the FDR with his wrecked car left me the
first impression that Gavin is nothing but a self-processed hotshot that disregards the little guy. But, as the movie continues, Gavin starts to develop a conscience, that probably ruining another man's future won't make things any better. So, my considerations for Gavin ultimately changed.
The movie does an expert job representing what both central character thinks, in each of their respective scenes. Jackson is typical great, playing, despite Doyle's uncontrollable fits of rage (you can't really blame the guy for being desperate), a more subtle character than his more popular, foul-mouthed roles like Julius from PULP FICTION, and John Shaft from (obviously) SHAFT. And Affleck, whom I haven't really cared too much for, undertakes a great performance as Gavin.
tense battle of wits and nerves as Doyle and Gavin struggle to get
what they really want to accomplish on that very day, and how they try to mess each other up at the same time.
This movie gave me my own conflict: who to root for and sympathize
with. At first, Jackson's problems with trying to keep custody of his two children, and how much his life is in deep shambles made me want to keep my utmost feelings for. How Gavin thoughtlessly left
Doyle in the middle of the FDR with his wrecked car left me the
first impression that Gavin is nothing but a self-processed hotshot that disregards the little guy. But, as the movie continues, Gavin starts to develop a conscience, that probably ruining another man's future won't make things any better. So, my considerations for Gavin ultimately changed.
The movie does an expert job representing what both central character thinks, in each of their respective scenes. Jackson is typical great, playing, despite Doyle's uncontrollable fits of rage (you can't really blame the guy for being desperate), a more subtle character than his more popular, foul-mouthed roles like Julius from PULP FICTION, and John Shaft from (obviously) SHAFT. And Affleck, whom I haven't really cared too much for, undertakes a great performance as Gavin.