Man on Fire (Tony Scott, 2004): USA
Reviewed by Kelvin Matthews. Viewed on DVD.
A beautifully conceived and innovative film, “Man on Fire” reveals the beauty of filmmaking with all of the elements needed for an extraordinary exciting and substantive film, that keeps you enthralled in every moment of the film.
Much like Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo,” “Man on Fire” is a film I have never grown tired of watching.. It encompasses all the qualities that make for a very great film.
Written and directed by Tony Scott and staring Denzel Washington, the story takes us to the darkest parts of a mans soul and the beautiful spirit that makes us human being’s, and thus separates us from animals.
Taken from a novel by the same name from author A.J. Quinnell, Denzel Washington plays a depressed John Creasy who is a former C. I.A. agent seemingly disillusioned with life.
After some persuasion from a concerned friend Paul, (Christopher Walken) Creasy reluctantly takes a position as a bodyguard protecting a 9 year old Pita ( Dakota Fanning) in Mexico City.
Seemingly cold and not wanting to open his heart to anyone, he reluctantly opens his heart to Pita after her persistent attention and advice she seeks from him.
As his position keeps him close to her side, his relationship to her becomes more then just a job, but they also become close friends, as they learn and grow from each other and he comes to care about her and love her as if she was his own child and best friend. In doing so Pita slowly helps Creasy to come out of his shell and depression, and helps to breathe life into a man that had previously seemed despondent with life.
When Pita is kidnapped and later believed dead, Creasy goes on a rampage, seeking justice and revenge on those he feel is responsible for her kidnapping and death.
This films visual effects are nothing short of extraordinary with abnormal lighting and editing that uses tremor effects and overlays that keep you engulfed in the action and every part of this emotional and truly touching story. The tremor effects makes you feel the pulse and heart beat of the city, characters and story with every climax and turning point demanding your attention.
The extraordinary cinematography and editing make this film come to life in ways that are beyond imagination and unique to this film, with wide angle shots such as those of Mexico City, the scenery and its people, that seem to capture the soul of the city and its people.
The cinematography and editing helps to breathe life into the setting of Mexico City, its people and the character’s, and makes the audience feel their very sense of existence.
The tremor effects create a sense of importance and desperation while making the audience feel a sense of urgency at what is taking place.
The jump cuts help to breathe life into this film and truly makes the scenes, as well as the characters of Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning come alive.
This technique truly brings a sense of realism into this film that otherwise may not be there and truly captures your senses and your heart. With its innovative techniques, and creative storyline it is unlike any film I have seen before and well worth your attention, as it centers on love and devotion, and a mans relationship with God as he discovers himself and place in life, while also discovering his fate.
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