The Way of the Gun (2000)

Director:

Christopher McQuarrie

Writer (WGA):

Christopher McQuarrie (written by)

Release Date:

8 September 2000 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Crime | Drama | Thriller

Plot:

Two criminal drifters without sympathy get more than they bargained for after kidnapping and holding for ransom the surrogate mother of a powerful and shady man.

Plot Keywords:

Surrogate Mother | Mexico | Kidnapping | Ransom | Russian Roulette

Cast

Ryan Phillippe	...	Mr. Parker
Benicio Del Toro	...	Mr. Longbaugh
Juliette Lewis	...	Robin
Taye Diggs	...	Jeffers
Nicky Katt	...	Obecks
Geoffrey Lewis	...	Abner Mercer
Dylan Kussman	...	Dr. Allen Painter
Scott Wilson	...	Hale Chidduck
Kristin Lehman	...	Francesca Chidduck
James Caan	...	Joe Sarno
Henry Griffin	...	P. Whipped
Armando Guerrero	...	Federale #1 (as Mando Guerrero)
Andres Orozco	...	Federale #2
Jan Jensen	...	Receptionist
José Pérez	...	? (as Jose Perez)

MPAA:

Rated R for strong violence/gore, language and some sexuality.

Runtime:

119 min | Spain:120 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Spanish

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | SDDS | DTS

Certification:

Iceland:16 | South Korea:18 | Philippines:R-18 | USA:R (certificate #37339) | Netherlands:16 | Argentina:16 | Australia:MA | Finland:K-18 | France:-12 | Germany:18 | Hong Kong:IIB | Mexico:C | New Zealand:R18 | Norway:15 | Spain:18 | Switzerland:16 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:16 (canton of Vaud) | UK:18 | Singapore:PG (cut)

Filming Locations:

Abandoned Gas Station, Skull Valley, Utah, USA

Company:

Artisan Entertainment

Trivia:

The violence was scaled back because the MPAA threatened the film with the NC-17 rating.

Goofs:

Continuity: During the gun fire in Mexico, Obecks' right leg switches position between shots. First his right leg is under his left leg then it's next to left one and after he gets shot by Longbaugh we see his right leg under the left leg again.

Quotes:

Longbaugh: A heart is the only thing that has value. If you have one, get rid of it.

Movie Connections:

References Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Soundtrack:

How to Make a Margarita

Off and on, a great film

This film had a lot of great stuff to look for, but unfortunately, it lulled in spots, which is a downer for a type of Tarantino Resovoir Dogs type of flick. Writer and first time director Chris McQuarie has a lot of good things here, but he might want to consider a little editing though. There are, believe it or not, some not needed scenes here (maybe so, maybe not). But, lukcily, some of them are overshadowed by a better than average script and very credible actors: Ryan Phillipe and Benicio Del Torro make a good duo, Juliette Lewis is slutty yet charming in a pregnant role and most notably in one of his best roles, James Caan as a aging hitman who will get villain fans cheering. Exceptional action ending and it's actors almost make up for some boring points in this film and it is worth a look whether it is likeable or not. B+