Domino

Posted by Brian C. Gibson (brian@filmschoolrejects.com) on February 21, 2006

Release Date: February 21, 2006

Domino is based on the true story of the daughter of a Hollywood actor and a Hollywood actress/vogue model, who turned down a life of luxury and modeling career in favor of becoming a bounty hunter in California.

The Film
Domino Harvey was a girl born into a life of privilege. She had a ford modeling career, beautiful features, and a paid college education. She instead chose to educate herself in using switchblades, throwing stars, and nunchucks. Domino wanted adventure and to transcend normality by becoming a legend. She met the legendary bounty hunter Ed Moseby by chance, but her chemistry won him over. Along with Ed’s partner Choco, the three became a force in urban California. The three find themselves twisted in a FBI investigation that involves the mob and their employer. For Domino, this was the exact situation that defines her soul…”Heads You Live, Tails you die…”

The Extras
This DVD features two documentaries that are very informative and interesting if you found yourself liking the film. One feature is a mock “E True Hollywood Story” on the real Domino Harvey, and her technical involvement with the film. The other feature is called “Bounty Hunting on Acid”, and explores director Tony Scott’s individual visual style. It explains the evolution of the style and exactly how it is done.

The Delivery
Visually speaking if you have ever seen Man On Fire, this film would feel familiar. I love the way this film looks because it represents life seen through the protagonist’s eyes. The gritty visuals and vibrant colors are very fitting for the film. The available DTS ES encoding is both flawless and powerful. The firefight scene near the end rivals any DVD in my current collection.

The Final Cut
I have to say at first, I thought the whole bad girl Domino thing was a joke. As the movie progressed though, Keira Knightley played the role with a swagger that most actresses could never pull off. Mickey Rourke is lucky he keeps getting handed these badass roles, and even luckier that he played this part well. The virtually unknown Edgar Ramirez was a force in this film, and will be a rising star if anyone takes notice in him. The film was a roller coaster ride from start to finish. The action was good and engaging. The plot was average but the film itself was solid.

The Upside:
Edgy, Fast, Explosive Action… and Keira Knightley topless.
The Downside:
Average plot that loses itself near the end.
On the Side:
Tony Scott managed to get on screen real-life gang bangers from an 18th Street Gang in East Los Angeles, for a bounty scene.

Making the Grade:
The Film: C+
The Extras: A
The Delivery: A
Overall: B+

Tags: Keira Knightley, Domino, Tony Scott

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