| Written by Jan James Stetter, on 24-09-2007 15:31 |
Media Maven: "Eastern Promises"
The Cincy Chic Media Maven, Jan Stetter, reviews "Eastern Promises." Mortensen and Watts deliver up a graphically violent movie not for the faint of heart.
Eastern Promises
Viggo Mortenson, Naomi Watts, Vincent Cassel, Armin Mueller-Stahl
Within the first eight minutes of this movie, a man’s neck gets sliced
with a barber’s razor; blood splaying as the man writhes to his death
in the barber chair. Twenty minutes later, Viggo Mortenson as the
Russian Mob’s henchman, finishes the corpse off by cutting each of the
deceased’s fingers and removing his teeth before depositing him in to
the river.
Eastern Promises is the critically acclaimed film by director David
Cronenberg. It graphically tells the age-old stories of good versus
evil; family loyalty vs. allegiance with a conscience, and finally what
it means to live with the choices people make.
Naomi Watts is a midwife who delivers a baby from a fourteen-year-old
indigent who dies immediately after giving birth. While connecting the
dots of the victim’s history in order to give the baby a birthright,
Watts unravels a tightly woven organization involving prostitution,
drug trafficking and assassinations.
The intensity of this movie is matched by its graphic portrayal of life
in a world so far removed from suburbia. Mortenson is a machine of
uncanny precision and accuracy. His every move is deliberate as a
devoted subordinate of the Russian mob. His solid performance is
amazing in the daunting scenes Mortenson gives in fulfilling his duties
as the “chauffer” to this ruthless clan.
The film’s story was compelling. A captive audience was riveted in
their seats to discover the all too tidy outcome for the orphaned
child. Watts’ character repeatedly challenges Mortenson’s actions by
reminding him the pregnant teen was only fourteen years old.
Mortenson’s reply of “I’m only the driver,” was about as convincing as
Jerry Springer saying “I’m only the host of a silly little talk show.”
Here lies the tremendous difference from this movie. Jerry Springer
rides the crest of celebrity, while airing the misery of frustrated
human beings and simultaneously amassing a personal fortune.
Mortenson’s character rides no wave of celebrity, yet remains a man
haunted by his choices. Ensconced in a life of luxury paid for by human
prostitution and annihilation, Mortenson’s character is left alone
contemplating the irreversible human damage done by his own hands.
Not for the weak hearted. This movie is beyond graphically violent.
Rating: Three Chic Stars
Jan’s Movie Rating System:
5 - Top notch entertainment
4 - Compelling, Heartwarming, Thrilling, Comical
3 - The a) story b) actors c) special effects saved/made this movie.
2 - If you are bored watch it, or wait for DVD
1 - Don’t bother. Too morose, too violent, too blasé, an enigma.
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