Man on Fire
MAN ON FIRE (18)
D: Tony Scott
Fox 2000/Regency/Scott Free (Arnon Milchan, Tony Scott &
Lucas Foster)
US 2004
140 mins
Action/Thriller
W: Brian Helgeland [based on the novel by A. J.
Quinnell]
DP: Paul Cameron
Ed: Christian Wagner
Mus: Harry Gregson-Williams
Denzel Washington (John W. Creasy), Dakota Fanning (Lupita
Ramos), Christopher Walken (Paul Rayburn), Giancarlo Giannini (Miguel Manzano), Radha Mitchell (Lisa Ramos), Mickey Rourke (Jordan Kalfus)
A.J. Quinnell's novel was originally adapted for screen in
1987 starring Scott Glenn in the lead role, but that version disappeared under the radar without trace. This 2004 remake is a rare beast- a much better version with a great central performance
from Denzel Washington as a washed-up bodyguard hired by a well-off family to watch over their daughter in a tough Mexican city.
There does seem like something got lost in the translation
from the novel, especially with the subplot of spiritual redemption from the main character and Tony Scott's directorial flourishes use too much jumpy photography and choppy editing.
Nevertheless, it's still an entertaining ride.
6/10
