TAKING LIVES

Yes, I know I blogged yesterday, so I won't torture you with another ENDLESS post! I AM JUST CURRENTLY OVERWHELMED by the EFFECTIVE climatic finale in Taking Lives. Prior to the final scenes, the film is quite mediocre; Angelina Jolie's compelling and sensuous delivery, and Ethan Hawke's convincing performance are the only distinguishing features. Is it wrong that I find him attractive? Of course, the film has its sleek, fast-paced chases and a surprisingly provocative sex scene (haven't seen one in a while), and where would a serial killer film be without a script filled with preposterous twists and resolutions? Though, it's grounded compared to The Bone Collector.

Aside from its' strong leads, the film's greatest strength is its treatment of the ludicrous twists and turns - they are nothing more than insignificant events that carry us to the grand finale. The film LIVES or DIES on this scene, and oh BOY, did they nail it! This superb scene is reminiscent of Misery, especially because of the cold and gloomy atmosphere. The leads, more so Jolie, give us a captivating struggle that is both suspenseful and thrilling. That is simply AMAZING, considering how predictable the outcome is!!! It has the energy and intensity that made Misery such a damn fine, and somewhat traumatic, viewing experience.

OH and the pair of metallic scissors, is the director paying tribute to Hitchcock by any chance (Dial M For Murder is another 'must-watch')? The film is predictable and sometimes dull, but the powerful concluding scene is worth the wait. THIS IS WHY I love Angelina Jolie. For one, no one else's swearing is as emotive as hers. Her nuanced performance ensures that, even though the audience is well aware of the situation, the stakes remain high; we see the character's thirst for long-awaited vengeance, but she's vulnerable and overpowered. We know the outcome, but in this scene, we start to doubt our logic and, for a minute or so, all bets are off.

Let's face it, no one is as compelling as Angelina Jolie. I mean, the media basically swooned when she showed her leg at the Oscars, not that it reflects wonderfully upon our society. People pay attention for a reason, and it's not just because she is one of the most beautiful/sexy/gorgeous women on Earth, and haters, that is why she has an Oscar.

P.S. Why is it that Jolie has good chemistry with EVERYONE, except Johnny Depp? WHY!? Oh well, she is only human after all, and she was very HUMAN in this role. SO was Ethan Hawke, I shall be watching more of his films, any recommendations?