Wednesday, September 3, 2008

'Transsiberian' Review

Emily Mortimer and Woody Harrelson escape on foot in Transsiberian, directed by Brad Anderson. Watch the trailer: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/transsiberian/33428/main

     Much has been made of this film as being influenced by Hitchcock's The Lady Vanishes and other train-bound thrillers.  That's not a bad thing as Transsiberian  chugs along at a slow pace building to the nastiness that takes over during the second half. There's plenty of twists, red herrings, and surprises along the way as Woody Harrelson and Emily Mortimer play American teachers returning from Asia by crossing Russia and get mixed up with a mysterious couple and Russian policemen looking for drugs. Harrelson's 'Awe shucks' character seems too naive but you will change your opinion later when he is forced to take action.  Mortimer has a more complex part and it's her actions and reactions that move the plot. Ben Kingsley has a colorful role as a Russian detective who aids our travelers but is he to be trusted?  Everyone here has secrets that put their lives and others in danger.
    The wintry landscape and the squalid interiors of the train, hotels, and ruins add to the mystery's uncomfortable & menacing tone. The ending has been criticized for descending into predictable melodrama and brutality.  Perhaps this was the only way to bring the story to its conclusion. How you react to it depends on your suspension of disbelief.
    Transsiberian is a satisfying ride with a few bumps along the way but it never derails.

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