Although "Road to Perdition" didn't have the originality, the shocks, the controversy, or the emotion of "American Beauty," the first film by director Sam Mendes, it was an interesting, somewhat new and captive way of telling a classic American tale of a criminal/father in post-depression America. The highlight of the film for me was the stunning cinematography. Conrad Hall, also the cinematographer for American Beauty, really has a chance to work his magic in this film. Beautiful shots of the ocean and snow covered trees were an artwork, not to mention what may become a very famous cinematic scene where gun shots are only bursts of light seen through the heavy rain fall--bodies fall not with a thump, not as a reaction to a loud tommy-gun, but fall gracefully and in silence. Some critics say this approach was trying to stylize a classic theme, and that only the best films will prove themselves because the film itself will be what's stylistic, not the camera shots. Personally, I liked the new touches on the gangster theme that this film presented. As far as the acting goes, the definite highlight of the film for me was Paul Newman as Rooney, a town crime boss. Jude Law was also great as a determined hitman, although his part in the movie felt minor and understated. Tom Hanks, as the silent, no-emotion gangster errand boy in the beginning of the film was just what it should have been, and the more into the film you get the more he opens up as a father, and as an actor in a theatrical performance--in other words, almost any actor could have pulled off the performance Hanks did for the first part of the film. He was hard faced, hard working, and never showed emotion. But Hanks really only became wonderful once the father side of him opened--that's when the acting became noticeably good. Although the ending of the film was somewhat predictable to some people, it wasn't at all to me--but I'm not the type of person who is constantly guessing the ends of films--I like to just let the story carry me, and I loose myself in the plot, so I usually am surprised with endings, and this one was plenty surprising. By the end of the film I felt that I had been on a unique journey alongside a father and son. I liked the way both Hanks and his son mature during the trip, learn life lessons, and learn about one another--all in the context of a very exciting, action packed, revenge-based plot. For those worried about violence and gore, this film doesn't exaggerate things. The film is violent when it needs to be, and uses the violence to make a point about the life of both Hanks and his son. Yes, it's a violent film, but it's not stomach turning nor is it fit for the Disney channel. I highly recommend this film, but just don't expect "The Godfather". Mendes is a brilliant new director, and American Beauty was incredible, but although this movie is very solid and well made, it won't change your life.
Review of Road to Perdition
