One of Wes Craven’s primary trademarks found in his directing style and storytelling format is taking normal, everyday people and placing them in desperate, usually dangerous situations where they would have to rely on their own cunning and physical sense in order to survive, even if it means crossing the boundaries of decency. Many of his films, most notably The Hills Have Eyes and the Scream trilogy, follow this template. His most recent work, the mile-high thriller Red Eye, does not stray afar from this narrative.
Lisa Reisert (Rachel McAdams) is about to return home from her grandmother’s funeral. However, in order to make it back to work the next day, she must take the red eye flight to Miami. While waiting for her flight she meets Jackson Ripner (Cillian Murphy), a handsome stranger who is as mysterious as he is charming. They become acquainted and an attraction begins to develop. Fate seems to take its course as the two coincidentally find each other in the same section of the same plane. Unfortunately, after take-off, Lisa learns that this is no coincidence. Jackson reveals his true intentions and needs Lisa’s help to assassinate William Keefe (Jack Scalia) a political figure that is scheduled to stay at the hotel that Lisa manages. If she refuses to help, Jackson will have her father (Brian Cox) killed.
Until the release of his 1999 drama, Music of The Heart, Craven has been hailed as an accomplished “master of horrorâ€. With Red Eye, Craven is once again shedding a much more diverse side to his style of direction. Red Eye is a pure and straightforward thriller. Clocking in at only 75 minutes, it is direct, it gets to the point and it doesn’t waste any time with sub-plots or sugarcoated quick cuts and glossy editing. The majority of the film takes place on the plane; the conflict between the two characters is the central point of the plot and what happens between them is really all that matters.
Unfortunately, this brilliant suspense template takes a tragic turn once the plane lands. The film then goes from a slow-burning, isolated thriller to a fast-paced action film with explosions and chases. I won’t spoil anything for you but to put it bluntly, it gets rather silly. The change of pace definitely hurts the storytelling element as Red Eye transforms from a unique viewing experience to just another popcorn film. Its rather said because it looked like Wes and company had something special on their hands.
Since her standout performance as the leader of an obnoxious girl clique in 2004’s Mean Girls, Rachel McAdams has been receiving much applause for her performances and this is no different. While presenting the same charismatic and physical appeal she has so wonderfully displayed in films like The Notebook and Wedding Crashers, McAdams also brings forth a combination of vulnerability and an untapped essence of heroism. She is confident and independent but she is now in a life or death situation and she has to get tough quickly!
This film should be considered as a learning lesson for the Cillian Murphy. Its not that his performance was bad, in fact he comes off rather convincing as the reserved yet malicious villain. However, we saw that exact same character in his role of Dr. Jonathan Crane in Batman Begins. The carbon copy was so uncanny, I thought for a brief moment that the Caped Crusader was going to appear and save the day. If he ever plays another villainous character, he needs to find a factor that will distinguish that character from his previous roles. I say this because he has much potential and I don’t want to see him take the John Travolta route (just watch Face-Off, Broken Arrow and The Punisher. You’ll see what I’m talking about).
The special features included on the DVD are noteworthy but nothing to go crazy over. Included is a commentary track featuring Wes, producer Marianne Madalena and editor Patrick Lussier. Instead of focusing on the filmmaking aspect, the three talk more about the characters and the unfolding developments of the story. It’s a unique touch. The technical googoo gaga is left for the two “making of†featurettes, both clocking in at over 10 minutes each. You also get a nice little blooper reel which consists of the usual bit of the actors delivering their lines only for one to slip and everyone to break into crowd of laughter. Oh, and don’t forget the theatrical trailer.
Red Eye begins as a great, skin pinching thriller but ends up in a car wreck of explosions. However, with a great lead actress and a convincing villain, it is still a rather enjoyable film. So, if you have nothing to do on a Friday night then stop at your local video store and give this one a go. I don’t think you will be too disappointed
