Maxim’s Movie Reviews and Opinions Blog

The plot: Mike Sullivan (Tom Hanks) works as a hit man and enforcer for crime boss John Rooney (Paul Newman), whom he views as a father figure. However after his son witnessed a killing he has done Rooney’s own sun (Daniel Craig) kills Mike’s wife (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and other son, and Mike Sullivan finds him self on the run trying to save the life of his surviving son and at the same time looking for revenge on those who wronged him. Rooney send a hitman (Jud Law) to kill Sullivan.

The good: Great acting by entire cast, including supporting actors in small parts. Paul Newman, Jud Law, Daniel Craig, the boys - fantastic performances. The brown tint and low lights add to the style, gives the movie an “old” feeling, and in combination with miserable weather conveys the atmosphere of depression and at the same time tension and suspense. Paul Newman was great at projecting the image of the powerful boss who spoiled his son into becoming psychopathic sadistic murderer and who was tormented by what happened to Sullivan family, but not only he regrets the tragical slaughter of the family, he also knows that Sullivan is capable of and he is terrified - and he seems to be the only person in his gang who realizes how severe the consequences of his son’s actions can be. Jud Law was captivating as psychopathic contract killer.

The scene with the final shootout was awesome, straight out of the graphic novel or comic book. The rain in it was giving the scene a sense of cleansing, so we know that mass murder is not always bad - sometimes it’s righteous. Same feeling viewers get watching massacre of town-folks in “Dogville”. Camera angles and costumes also helped to create the grim comic book feel. Oscar worthy set design, light management and costumes.

The film won an Oscar for best cinematography in 2003, with Paul Newman being nominated for Best Supporting Actor, along with nominations for best sound and sound editing, Best Original Musical Score, Best Art Direction/Set Decoration. Apart from the Oscar wins and nominations, it has won 16 and was nominated in various categories for other awards - 47 overall.

The bad: the window of Mr. Calaway apartment was open - in the middle of the winter? Some other goofs here and there.

Memorable quote: “Sons are put on this Earth to trouble their fathers”.

Credits: Director - Sam Mendes | Writers - Max Allan Collins and Richard Pierce Rayner (graphic novel) | Screenplay - David Self | Producers - Joan Broadshaw, Tara B. Cook, Cherylanne Martin, Sam Mendes, Walter F. Parks, Dean Zanuck, Richard D. Zanuck | Original Music - Thomas Newman | Cinematography - Thomas L. Hall | Art Direction - Richar L. Johnson | Set decoration - Nancy Haigh | Costume Design - Albert Wolsky |