8.8R: violence and language
2002
Director: Sam Mendes
Writers: Max Allan Collins (graphic novel), Richard Piers Rayner (graphic novel), David Self (screenplay)
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tyler Hoechlin, Rob Maxey
Cinematography: Conrad L. Hall
Music: Thomas Newman
Editing: Jill Bilcock
Production Design: Dennis Gassner
I know it's been a while since I've written. I have been watching movies, but I haven't made writing about them a priority. It still is, so I've decided to write about this movie.
From the director of American Beauty and Revolutionary Road comes Road to Perdition (2002) is the story of hitman Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks) and his son Michael Sullivan Jr. (Tyler Hoechlin) who go on the run after a disagreement between the son, Connor Rooney (Daniel Craig), of Michael's boss John Rooney (Paul Newman) After Connor kills Michael's family, Michael and Michael Jr. escape. Now, as as well as protecting his son, he seeks revenge on the Rooney family. As defense, Connor sends Harlen Maguire (Jude Law) to murder the estranged Michael Connor. What I love about this film, of course, is the story. AS a suspense, David reveals exactly what we need to know when we need to know it. My favorite of the story is that all the characters, as sick or as sane as they are, behave in the manners exactly in which you would expect them to. I also love the consturction of Michael's character. The audience is unable to hate him because he killed to support his family, and later he kills to avenge his family as well as protect his remaining son.
The music in the film was beautiful as well. There are times when the music gets a certain way to invoke the suspense of a scene. There is a scene when Michael Jr. waits in the car as his father enters a hotel to retrieve money. Across the street is Harlen watching, waiting. When he sees Michael enter the hotel, he gets excited as does the music which creates the feeling of suspense in the audience because we feel he's excited and ready to kill. As well as being suited for the film, the music just sounds beautiful.
The set design as well is perfect. All the people involved, including Michael Sullivan, dress in fedora hats and trench coats to reflect both vocation and time period. In the darkest moments of the film, rain falls hard and heavy. The cinematography also is stunning as well as utilizing reflections as a storytelling tool. When Michael kills Connor in his bathtub, the door has a mirror on it so when it swings closed, it reveals the bloody body of Connor laying in the bath tub. We only get a flash of this image. Reflections are also well used in the closing scene of the film. Speaking of the end! I don't want to give it away, but it is absolutely perfect.
The movie is very well constructed and is exactly what I love. It's a dark story about love, family, and allies that is told with a fluid motion. I do definitely recommend this film.
