Face/Off

Starring: John Travolta, Nicolas Cage, Joan Allen, Alessandro Nivola, Gina Gershon, Dominique Swain, Nick Cassavetes, Colm Feore
Directed by: John Woo
Rating: R
Genre: Action, Science Fiction, Thriller
1997

Times Seen:
Tim: 3

Summary: FBI Agent Sean Archer (John Travolta) has dedicated his life to bringing down terrorist Castor Troy (Nicolas Cage), especially since Troy murdered his young son in an attempt to kill him. Archer is given the chance to bring Troy in- and then ruin his plans to explode a bomb in Los Angeles. He undergoes a cutting edge operation where he literally becomes Castor Troy. Unfortunately, Troy soon becomes him as well. While they look like each other, they are both determined to finish their agenda.

Review:
Tim: Understanding that this is a John Woo movie, you have to slightly alter your expectations. This movie isn't going to contend for any Academy Awards, but it will certainly seek to entertain you. I know I probably shouldn't like this movie, but I can't help it. I find the characters interesting and developed, the plot fast-moving and interesting, and the action intense. Yes, this is a flawed, imperfect movie, but I still think it is a good one.

I bet most people that hate this movie get hung up on the premise. Yes, the idea is pretty absurd- through a medical operation, an FBI Agent literally "becomes" a terrorist- he has his face, his body is changed to match his, and a microchip or something is implanted in his larynx so he sounds just like hm. Of course, the terrorist does the same procedure to imitate the FBI agent perfectly. Yes, some of this technology is more realistic today (they have indeed done full-face transplants). However, you just have to acknowledge that this is a pretty far-fetched idea. If you can admit this and accept it, then you'll like this movie significantly better. Medical unrealism aside, the movie does a fairly good job of making this seem plausible. However, there is a certain moment in the film when you realize you have two options- 1. Go with it, even though it is certainly impossible, 2. Get stuck on the fact that the whole movie will be absurd. I went with #1, although I acknowledge that the craziness of the plot will hold some people back.

I was able to accept this because it creates a terrific plot for this film. We have John Travolta and Nicolas Cage playing two very different men. And yet, through the course of the film, they switch places. So, now, the crazy, selfish, maniac Cage becomes the hero, and the straight-laced, dedicated family man Travolta becomes the villain. This is a unique, fascinating concept that allows this film to do things other films haven't done before. Travolta and Cage not only play their own character, but for much of the movie, they play the other actor as well. This comes out in small moments throughout the film, where Travolta is channeling Cage, and Cage is channeling Travolta. This is pretty amazing to behold, and is truly fun to watch.

I also appreciate that in the midst of this summer action movie, director John Woo takes time to fully develop his characters. Sean Archer and Castor Troy are both incredibly ineresting, engaging characters. I liked this movie because I cared about the characters. Woo understands that mindless action isn't enough- we have to care about those involved in the action first. In addition, Woo takes some time for some surprisingly emotional moments. Not too many action movies meditate on families and grief, good v. evil, and higher minded themes like these.

Travolta does a very good job as Archer (and as Troy). He imitates Cage well, and some of the most entertaining moments are when Travolta does all out Cage- "What a predicament!" Cage likewise perfectly embodies the over-the-top Castor Troy, but quickly turns it down to play Archer. These two men make the movie. I also liked the casting of Joan Allen as Archer's wife. She brings some needed class and talent to the whole film. Alessandro Nivola and Gina Gershon add in good performances as well.

Perhaps my favorite aspect of this film is how the change in appearance also somewhat changes the inner lives of these two men. When Archer and Troy switch places, their newfound roles and the people around them impact them in unseen ways. This is easy to overlook in an action-packed movie, but these quiet moments were the most powerful for me. I loved seeing Troy act kindly toward Archer's daughter, and Archer looking after Troy's "family" as well. These were terrific moments.

Now, this movie doesn't get a pass for its flaws. The idea is incredible, but also a bit silly, which does detract from the film some. While the action is impressive, it does occasionally feel a bit mindless and overdone. Plus, there are some very convenient moments- Archer chasing Troy somehow turns into this absurd, lengthy speedboat chase. This is impressive to watch, but also requires a ton of suspending disbelief on the part of the audience. This isn't really grounded in reality.

Still, Face/Off does enough right to overcome some of these flaws. Even when I didn't love many of the scenes, there were certainly parts I truly appreciated. Director John Woo paired with Travolta and Cage is a terrific match, and this is an intelligent, entertaining action movie. I enjoyed it, and I like it (even though perhaps I shouldn't).

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Broken Arrow, Windtalkers, Hostage, Paycheck, Mission: Impossible II