Derailed

Starring: Clive Owen, Jennifer Aniston, Vincent Cassel
Directed by: Mikael Hafstrom
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Thriller
2005

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Charlie (Clive Owen) feels stress at home, and meets Lucinda (Jennifer Aniston) on a train. They begin to have an affair, but are stopped by a thief who beats Charlie and rapes Lucinda. To keep their infidelity a secret, they cannot go to the police, and the thief reenters their life to blackmail them further.

Review:

Tim: Most people seemed to really like this movie, an adult thriller that offered more mature viewing that most of the watered down fare churned out of Hollywood these days. There were certain strengths, but overall, I was not as sold on the whole concept. For one, I rarely ever predict the end of movies. I know it will be revealed eventually, so I don't think too far ahead, I just sit back and enjoy the ride. With this film, I saw every twist and turn as if it was telegraphed miles ahead. To be fair, there were a few moments I did not anticipate, but the film was not very difficult to figure out.

Clive Owen does a very good job. I was a huge fan of him, then I started to cool after I saw Closer, but he has proven himself to be a legitimate star since then. He is quite enjoyable here. Jennifer Aniston gives a performance so unlike what we are used to seeing from her. This would be good, except that it is so bloody apparent that this is what she is trying to do. I suppose she can't win either way, but I do appreciate the effort. Vincent Cassell is downright sinister and I had great fun watching him.

The main reason to watch this film is to see a gritty adult thriller, a subgenre that has been absent in recent years (at least halfway decent films). This film is not always easy to watch. The rape scene is very difficult to take. However, the film manages to get its act together (after a weak middle) and end in pretty impressive fashion. This is decent, but not a very good movie.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Basic Instinct, Closer