I get the feeling I liked this more than I really ought to have done. Nevertheless I did like it.
There was something really pleasing about the lazy tempo, the acting, the sound, and the way it was shot. Even down to the styling of locations and furniture. That shouldn't matter so much but it makes a big difference in *certain* kinds of film for me and this was one. It helps set a mood, whether it's a pretentious office, an affluent LA home, or a parent's suburban home. So I think it's an oft overlooked skill which is done well here.
OK so there's no clever plot twists or gimmicks going on here - it really is a very simple tale, but the magic's all in the telling.
There is an element of suspense in wondering why they are even in the situation they are in, and how it will end for them. The real juice here is the dialogue and interaction between Morse and Donovan's characters, and lesser so between Donovan and Williams' characters.
You feel Donovan's awkward avoidance of Morse transform into over-compensated forced dialogue. You can tell there's something festering under the surface but you're never sure exactly what that is. It's almost like Morse sensed the phony avoidance and when things go South for him, he decides to make some mischief with Donovan on his way out. So you're wrestling with this kind of are they/aren't they on good terms question throughout.
Morse's phone call to Williams' actress was very touching - like the last privilege of a condemned man.
And then there's an incident which introduces more tension and uncertainty into the dynamic towards the end.
I appreciated the different approach to the hunted man character here - throwing caution to the wind and getting wasted. A refreshing change from manic rage or desperation. I think that made it more interesting. No clever chess game of negotiation either.
Most of the film felt like watching a play which may have been intentional irony, given Donovan's character's playwright occupation.
I had a feeling this movie could be good despite the reviews but still, it was better than I expected. Definitely worth a watch at any rate.
All of the acting was good here, but Morse was the best - what a shame he hasn't got more character work in movies. What a waste.
There was something really pleasing about the lazy tempo, the acting, the sound, and the way it was shot. Even down to the styling of locations and furniture. That shouldn't matter so much but it makes a big difference in *certain* kinds of film for me and this was one. It helps set a mood, whether it's a pretentious office, an affluent LA home, or a parent's suburban home. So I think it's an oft overlooked skill which is done well here.
OK so there's no clever plot twists or gimmicks going on here - it really is a very simple tale, but the magic's all in the telling.
There is an element of suspense in wondering why they are even in the situation they are in, and how it will end for them. The real juice here is the dialogue and interaction between Morse and Donovan's characters, and lesser so between Donovan and Williams' characters.
You feel Donovan's awkward avoidance of Morse transform into over-compensated forced dialogue. You can tell there's something festering under the surface but you're never sure exactly what that is. It's almost like Morse sensed the phony avoidance and when things go South for him, he decides to make some mischief with Donovan on his way out. So you're wrestling with this kind of are they/aren't they on good terms question throughout.
Morse's phone call to Williams' actress was very touching - like the last privilege of a condemned man.
And then there's an incident which introduces more tension and uncertainty into the dynamic towards the end.
I appreciated the different approach to the hunted man character here - throwing caution to the wind and getting wasted. A refreshing change from manic rage or desperation. I think that made it more interesting. No clever chess game of negotiation either.
Most of the film felt like watching a play which may have been intentional irony, given Donovan's character's playwright occupation.
I had a feeling this movie could be good despite the reviews but still, it was better than I expected. Definitely worth a watch at any rate.
All of the acting was good here, but Morse was the best - what a shame he hasn't got more character work in movies. What a waste.