Hannah's Pick: Deadfall

Today the sun seems to be feeling a little insecure and enjoys playing the role of introvert at times, hiding behind the clouds and giving a bit of a grey tinge to the afternoon.  Playing off of that backdrop, I decided to watch Deadfall, a movie with a bleak atmosphere that focuses on the harsh, unforgiving cold of winter.  The lifeless environment in the film is one that Austrian director Stefan Ruzowitzky exploits in a story of a heist gone wrong, and all of the people who get wound up in the path of destruction that follows the fugitives on the run.

It is a movie that was never set up for the ultimate graces of Oscar recognition as its flaws were easily seen, but even through those imperfections there was a well told tale with characters that were designed with depth and stories of their own.  Many times over I complain about lack of character development and Deadfall shows why interesting people, each with their own struggles and backstories, can aid in creating a realm that the viewer feels in touch with and cares about.  When I say mention depth of characters, I am not saying it is on the same level of a David O. Russell film, but more that it is light years ahead of what a normal film of its genre and quality would attempt.

While the basis of the principals involved was important, the casting amplified it and is what was able to take it to the next level.  Eric Bana played Addison, a criminal with a cold heart and very little hesitation when it came to ending a life.  His sister Liza (Olivia Wilde) lives a life of dependence on the protection and controlling guidance of her brother, emotionally captured and almost unwilling to break free for herself.  Finding himself out of jail and crossing paths with Liza is Jay (Charlie Hunnam), the child of a former small town sheriff (played by Kris Kristofferson) who has a troubled past with his father.  Finding herself caught up in the chaos of tracking Addison and at the receiving end of sexist behaviour from the male dominated police force is Hanna (Kate Mara).

Each of the actors involved works hard at embodying their roles, realizing that they are more than just a name or plot device, and they provide a true sense of unique characters weaving their way through an extraordinary and dire circumstance.  Hunnam is very adept at portraying someone who has a hard edge, but also is wounded by his surroundings and past, an ability that he also puts on display in his role on the television show Sons of Anarchy.  Kate Mara was a standout as well.  With a small physique and a look of fragility and innocence she shows grit as she is faced with constant discrimination because of her gender.  If ever someone wants to make a movie about a strong willed female, either of the Mara sisters seem to be bred for such roles.

It ends up being the theme of sexism that at times is what holds the movie back and disturbs its attempts at flowing narrative due to overt and forced methods for creating this tension.  While it is essential in telling the story of Hanna’s life and adds dimension to her character and decisions, it is never approached with any subtle or well-crafted nature and is laid on overly thick.  In the midst of immersing the audience in an atmospheric and character driven thriller, a poorly evolved theme can become very distracting.

My only other possible complaint with the film would be the reliance on very generic music during action sequences and scenes with tension.  Deadfall is a movie which aims to stand out from other thrillers by its delivery, and the soundtrack that was decided on for the adrenaline inducing sections left a part of me wishing that they had sought out something that was perhaps more in tune with its uniqueness and personality.  Still, that is not an issue that would ever have me try and dissuade someone from checking out this film.

If you are like me and enjoy movies that try to do more than present people whose identities are based solely off of their profession or personal relationships (such as last year’s Evil Dead) then you may just get a kick out of Deadfall.  As it approached the climax, there were many different reasons to feel connected to the outcome because of the attention that is paid towards rounding out all of those involved in the story.  Even though it is not perfect it is a film that attempts to put pride in its characters, an aspect that keeps the viewer continually interested throughout and craving proper resolution at the end.

Rating – 3 out of 4 stars