“DEAD MAN DOWN” Movie Review. Vengeful Intents in this Neo Noir Thriller.

“DEAD MAN DOWN” PRESS PREVIEW

Along the seedy streets of New York by night, spins a dark tale of murderous intents.

A professional hitman is on his deadly prowl to follow shooting instructions.

A desolate woman, her face badly scarred from a horrific accident, is adjusting to a life of emotional torment.

Both share the same agenda: justifiable payback to the bad ones who had done them wrong.

This is a neo-noir revenge thriller helmed by renowned Danish director NIELS ARDEN OPLEV in his American debut set in metropolitan New York.

COLIN FARRELL plays Victor, an unhappy albeit sullen enforcer who’s working his way up his boss Alphonse’s (TERRENCE HOWARD) crime empire. Everything is not what it seems as  he is quietly plotting revenge against this crime lord  for the deaths of his wife and young daughter years earlier.

Unfortunately, his clandestine activities are espied by Beatrice (NOOMI RAPACE), the mysterious woman living across his apartment. As a bargain to keep her mouth shut, Beatrice insists that Victor performs a killing for her : to get rid of the drunken driver who had ruined her life and had been acquitted scot-free by the law.

Film director OPLEV’s treatment boasts a fine dash of European flavor, using taut and well framed shots. It is smart, entertaining and gripping.

All of which is a refreshing change from the usual Hollywood film, where diversity means pairing the hero with a black buddy.

At the end of the press screening, a fellow reviewer remarked:

“Thank God that the movie is not directed by an American director.”

I asked why?

“Because it is a refreshing change from the predictable American movie and I enjoyed this one immensely.”

The bottom line:

“DEAD MAN DOWN” is a take-off on the classic film noir that has action galore, suspense and maybe a doomed love story.

The movie poses an adrenaline tease, so go watch it armed with a suspension of disbelief.

You will be assured of the thrill of a pulsating ride.

Right.