Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Get on the Train: Transsiberian

See Transsiberian.

It is the rare movie, especially a suspenseful one, that deals with character so well as does Transsiberian. It takes a long time for the story to pull out of the station. You wonder when it’s going to really cross that tundra, and when it does pick up, fast, about midway, you are so glad you had the slow ride to afford you the chance to get to know everyone.

This is really Emily Mortimer’s movie. Everyone else is supporting, but in very big ways.

There is no way to delve into the plot without destroying all surprises, so I will not. But it does start with some sort of drug investigation. At movies’ end, not everyone remains alive.

So let’s talk tone, style, beauty, overall effect.

It’s a sad movie. It feels really Russian. Snow is everywhere. The cinematography is stark and lovely. The story is surprising and pretty horrible all the way around.

Woody Harrelson is not completely believable as a Christy yokel. But he’s appealing, nevertheless. Eduardo Noriega overdoes it as the “Spaniard”. He’s already Spanish. Why overdo it? Kate Mara is spot on as the troubled youth.

Ben Kingsley is, of course, God.

Emily Mortimer is spectacular in all her brightness and shadows. Fine, sharp performance. Every moment. Something about actors who can really stay in reality, without slipping into vanity or showiness, this is what we want, right?

The train is also a star. A big star. And if you are any kind of old world romantic or engine freak, as I am, you must choo-choo down the track and get to the entertainment station.

One of the only great movies this summer. Go, if you can still find it.

I give it 3.8 out of 4 pangolins.

See Transiberian

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