Derailed

Posted by Brian C. Gibson (brian@filmschoolrejects.com) on March 23, 2006

Final Grade: C+

Derailed is one of your more standard psychological twist thrillers. What makes this film different however, is that Clive Owen and Jenifer Aniston’s performances keep your interest throughout the entire film all the way to its gritty ending.

Charles Schine (Clive Owen) is an average businessman who makes the daily commute from his quaint suburban home to the bustling streets of Chicago. Charles finds himself merely content with his life and job when his life takes an unexpected turn. Missing his daily train, Charles befriends another commuter Lucinda (Jennifer Aniston) who leads a familiar lifestyle, and the two get to know each other behind the backs of their unsuspecting spouses. On the night that they decide to consummate their infidelity, both of their lives take a turn for the worst.

During a series of events, Charles finds himself powerless to the deceit and entrapment in which he has become tangled. Charles is directed like a pawn into surrendering a life-savings and the security of those he loves. It is only when Charles pieces together the puzzle that he decides when and how to get his life back.

Although the plot is somewhat predictable at times, the film is very entertaining throughout. The appeal to the plot is that even though most minds can foresee the twists, the characters are so provocative that you yearn to find out how the problem is to be resolved. Owen’s performance in his first Hollywood leading role is dead on. His portrayal as Charles helps the audience empathize with both his persona and his situation. Jennifer Aniston seems to have taken her divorce from Brad Pitt in stride, nabbing two roles in 2005 and four thus far in 2006. She seems to be making a conscious effort to shed her good-girl typecast, and pleasingly in this film she plays a bad, bad girl. Vincent Cassel, whom you might remember from Ocean’s Twelve, is a virtual unknown in Hollywood. Cassel’s surprising performance in this film is sure to grant him spotlight, and subsequently feature roles. Director Mikael H¥fstr¶m commanded the film with aggressive angles and an edgy style that aided in the transformation of Owen’s character.

This DVD release provides solid video and audio, but nothing spectacular. The scenes in which a loud gunshot or melodic soundtrack were needed, were met with an ample supply of 5.1 surround sound force. The extras were feeble, only providing some insights to casting and directing. There were also a few deleted scenes that seem to be necessarily cut from the film.

This film starts out being fun and sexy, and ends with a dark and edgy tone. The performances during the film were believable and entertaining, and the direction kept the film fun and exciting. Even though the film’s DVD release is not a powerhouse for your home theater, overall the performances in this film make it worth seeing.

The Upside:
The director keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout a film that features Clive Owen in his first leading role.
The Downside:
A somewhat predictable twist.
On The Side:
The movie was released approximately two months after the derailment of a Metra commuter train that killed two people and injured 80 in Chicago. Although no train derails in the movie, Metra tried unsuccessfully to get the title changed.

Breaking down the DVD:
The Film: B
The Delivery: B-
The Extras: C-

DVD Stats:
Release Date: March 21, 2006
Starring: Clive Owen, Jennifer Aniston, Vincent Cassel
Directed by: Mikael H¥fstr¶m
Writing Credits: Stuart Beattie (screenplay) James Siegel (novel)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital
MPAA Rating: R for strong disturbing violence, language and some sexuality.
Country: USA
Run Time: 107 min.
Studio: The Weinstein Company

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Technorati: Movie, Film, DVD, DVD Review, Opinion, Advice, Cinema, Hollywood, Entertainment, Jennifer Aniston, Derailed

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