We’ve seen a lot of shocking photographs throughout history and below are some of these images.
Therese Frare, Nick Ut, Frank Fournier, Eddie Adams and Malcolm Browne, photographers who were there at the right moment when it happened. In a similar vein, this moment serves as our introduction to the protagonist, Joe Wallace, brought to life through a stellar performance by Fra Fee. The first 10 minutes brutally sets the story and it didn’t stop from there. Joe doesn’t give a shit. He just wants to shoot with his camera. Beautiful or chaotic, he’s in the zone.
Ethan Black, the co-protagonist played with such grace by Stuart Martin, has begun his hunt for revenge, after seeing a photograph taken by Joe. These two are not your typical buddy-cop, save the world type of characters out for revenge. Stuart drags Joe down along a dark, morally corrupt path which was actually favorable for Joe.
Along the way, Joe gets a chance to take photos whenever he can. Ladies and gentlemen, this is what the movie is really all about. The “revenge hunt” we came to know about this movie was just the icing on the cake. The whole movie was really about Joe taking pictures that were meant to have lasting and terrifying impressions. This is why the movie and its story work so well. I am absolutely blown away by it.
Zack Snyder worked on this movie not as a director, but just as a cinematographer. The beautiful landscapes, mountains, and even the city were filmed with such care that I really wanted to go along for the ride, even if I know it will be dangerous and life-threatening. Even the spontaneous moments, whether Ethan interacting with the locals or with the most vile man, were shot beautifully. Now pair this with Hans Zimmer’s musical score, and it is absolutely bonkers. I’m certain Mr. Snyder didn’t think twice about hiring Hans Zimmer to score this film.
There are a lot of brutal and shocking scenes and that’s because we are transported in Colombia. This is the reality of what a Narco third-world country is. A country where vice runs rampant, its sex trade thriving alongside predatory exploitation of children and violence woven into everyday life. Ethan’s chilling description of the violence he had inflicted is made even more unsettling by Hans Zimmer’s score playing in the background. The last time I felt this was 14 years ago, from a documentary called “The Act of Killing”.
I kept turning it over in my head, asking myself what influenced or inspired Mr. Snyder. I’ve read some reviews saying this is like Oliver Stone’s Salvador or Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now. Finally, I gave up. Somehow, this is an original film by Mr. Snyder, and that’s a very good thing! Although, I couldn’t help it, but that short raid in the jungle is a Michael Mann Heat-inspired sequence. Oh boy, I wish it were a bit longer!
Mr. Snyder is done with the “Snyderverse”, he is done with bringing comic books to life. Then again who am I to decide for him. I am really fine if he is done with it and I hope we all are. We need more original films, not remakes (yes, I know Mr. Snyder is going to do Escape from New York) or more comic book films. Original stories push directors, writers, and storytellers out of their comfort zone, and honestly, that’s a good thing for us moviegoers and film lovers too.
When this comes out in theaters, I will watch it again in a heartbeat. I encourage you to watch this movie and make sure you stay for the end credits to see all the photographs Joe has taken. Heck, if they make this movie with just Joe’s photographs while someone narrates it, it’s still watchable. The only question I forgot to ask during the Q&A panel was “Is there a director’s cut?”
Director’s cut or not, I am giving it a 10 out of 10 rating. The movie has its flaws, but they’re overshadowed by its visuals and originality.
I have a big favor to ask whoever releases it in 4K (Kino Lober, Arrow Video or Criterion). Please make sure to include all photographs Joe took throughout the film. That will be an awesome collector’s edition.
– EAST BAY RAY