Prisoners

Prisoners is a riveting, gripping and intense piece of film. Well done, Mr. Villeneuve, because you have made 153 minutes (a typically presumptuous long and draggy running time) into a dark journey that never seeks to leave the audience with some type of comfort.

Prisoners tells of 2 families, headed by father, Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman), whose daughters get kidnapped on Thanksgiving day. The case is assigned to Detective Loki, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, who becomes increasingly frustrated and obsessive over his assignment. The film simultaneously examines the complex nature of both these characters, from both their inner morality, to the twisting evil downturn of Keller's character...Villeneuve has ensured that the film creeps...very slowly.... towards the conclusion of the film.

The pacing of the film is smart, and it never leaves a minute of the film tedious. The constant fading in and out of the scenes was at times a confusing editing choice, but it made more sense as the film continued as it became clear that it assisted in building up the tension through the film. The cinematography is just sensational, the dark, gloomy rain with the bland surroundings emphasising the desperation and dreariness of the characters, as well as the score, which pulsates and leaves a suspenseful and dissonant note in the air.

Personally, I think this is genuinely Hugh Jackman's best performance. I have not seen the Wolverine/X-men series, but compared to his performance in Les Mis-I think this one beats it. He is able to build a character that we sympathise for, even as we see him transform into an unrecognisable and outlandish character. Even in the first 20 minutes of the film, we are able to see glimpses of his downward spiral, exhibited in some of Keller's outbursts, foreshadowing the loss of control further in the film. But it is moments towards the middle/end of the film that we REALLY see what Jackman can do, and he certainly impressed. The best actor category is super crowded this year, but his performance is one of the best I've seen this year so far (so fingers crossed). Gyllenhaal is also fantastic, and really digs in deep to highlight the law vs morals dilemma. Both men are simply excellent in their respective roles, and really elevate the film's frequent flaws.

Yes, I'm a wimp and I came out of the theatre screaming "Hold me!", but I cannot deny that this is a film that is continuously gripping and engrossing. It is disheartening at most, but definitely a thought provoking and lasting film for my 100th movie this year.