Prisoners-2013

Director Denis Villeneuve

Starring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal

Scott’s Review #75

Reviewed June 27, 2014

Grade: B+

The film Prisoners (2013) weaves a gripping, taught, psychological tale amid a well-acted stellar cast of Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Maria Bello, Viola Davis, and Paul Dano for starters.

That is what separates it from other similar, yet mediocre thriller types.

The gray, somber, Pennsylvania town is a perfect backdrop for a story involving child abduction and a father that seeks a confession from the presumed kidnapper.

The mood and cinematography are impressive and the bleakness is perfect for the tone- a cold Thanksgiving holiday weekend in a working-class, steel town.

At two hours and twenty-six minutes, the film is lengthy, but on the edge of your seat.

What intrigued me most was the audience conflict of whom to root for. Is the father purely innocent? Is the kidnapper guilty? Is someone else involved?

These questions go through the viewer’s mind during the film.

Prisoners possess a major drawback in the high number of plot holes and questions asked after the film.

The kidnapper’s motivations are weak and never fully explained. Portions of the story do not add up and make little sense.

The film is similar in style to Zodiac (2006) and Mystic River (2003).

Prisoners (2013) is an intense, thrill ride to be enjoyed, but not over-analyzed.

Oscar Nominations: Best Cinematography