Derailed
Director: Mikael Håfström
Writer: Stuart Beattie (screenplay)
James Siegel (novel)
Producer: Lorenzo di Bonaventura
Starring: Clive Owen, Jennifer Aniston, Vincent Cassel, Melissa George
MPAA Rating:R
read my spoiler disclaimer
This movie just screams rental. A predictable drama with some intense scenes and fine acting, but nothing that absolutly has to be seen on the big screen. It would actually be a better watch, I think, curled up on the sofa with a glass of wine and your significant other. Think "Unfaithful" meets "Cape Fear."
Jennifer Aniston delivers to us a new side of her; not the cute girl next door side. She is all business and sensuality. Of course Clive Owen exhudes these qualities as well, so together they are a natural pair. A pair of what I'm not sure, but a good pair none-the-less. Owen's character, Charles, strays from his wife with Lucinda (Aniston). After finally deciding to "go for it," they are swept up in Karma to the nth degree as their world slams down on them with the most unfortunate turn of events; brought upon them by a man named Laroche.
It's hard to go much further without giving anything away, but it was fairly predictable for me and I think anyone who has seen their share of films will find that it is all pretty obvious as well. I went to the film not really knowing a whole lot about it. I went because I like Clive Owen's past work, and I have really grown to enjoy Aniston as well. I think this is how you should see it too; with little knowledge about the actual plot. Try not to read too much about the movie's story beforehand and just go and let the story surprise you (if you want to).
Aniston and Owen work fairly well together and deliver believable performances. I liked the ending and think it was a fun movie to see. It's not in the cream of the crop for the year, but satisfying anyway. It's dark and rainy a lot (I like that) and I enjoyed all of the main characters. Although I figured out early on what was happening, I was still interested to see how it all pans out in the end. And pan out it did.
My guess is that most people will find this movie slightly borish and probably preposterous. In hindsight, they might be right, but the style is good and the actors make it all okay for me in the end. But again, I think they best way to view this would not be in a cramped theater, but in the comfort of your own home. In this case, I'm not suggesting renting just because it wasn't a good movie, but simply because it might actually enhance the experience. Especially if caught in the right mood.
Links:
Official site
