Most professional critics seem to be raving about The Disappearance of Alice Creed. In many ways that doesn't surprise me. The film is dark, twisted, gratuitous, with plenty of ups and downs and the impressiveness of the entire film beginning to end being a three person show. There is literally not another person in the entire film and the majority of the film takes place in a two room apartment. The problem is that the performances aren't that 'powerful' and the ups and downs and twists and turns are almost too bizarre and unexpected. The ending feels anti-climatic and the kidnapping angle is certainly not a new one. However, there is some truly intense moments in the film and some dramatic overtones that keep it interesting enough. The film seems to rely on gratuitous nudity that really has no purpose in the film other than the typical sexual draw doesn't befit a critical darling like they are trying to be. The only other negative to the film is the back and forth between the two kidnappers goes on far too long...does he know, does he not know, who is onto who and what is happening next.
Gemma Arterton, former Bond girl, and recently seen in Clash of The Titans really goes for a dark twist as Alice Creed. Feisty, independent and certainly not ready to be victimized her character is good. The problem is she gets no back story, we don't know enough about her and maybe that's the idea but she's too strong a character. Martin Compston, in my opinion, is the highlight of the film as far as performances go. As the young naive and scared Danny he shows a compassion and a real thrill to the story. He carries the film easily and ups the performances of everyone around him. If this film somehow manages to garner awards he is the one I wouldn't be disappointed to see up there. Eddie Marsan is the cold and calculated Vic. His character is completely twisted and plays a villain to story with nothing but villains ultimately. Marsan and Compston have good chemistry which is integral to the story but it isn't grade A chemistry. Still by the end of Vic's story he is a complete monster and its entertaining to watch the transition throughout the film.
J Blakeson is writer and director for the film and for the shortcomings to the film I think he should be given kudos for creating the story and the film. It is a dark twisted thriller that I think could have been more if it perhaps more depth to the entire film. I'm not sure of the budget for the film but I expect that it was likely extremely low. I think Blakeson made something on a shoestring budget on a shoestring idea so I suppose that really counts as something to critics. You will be entertained but I also think you'll see the short fall which is the length, lack of back story, and while the characters are interesting I felt like they could have been more interesting. Nonetheless its a solid thriller that I'm sure we will hear more about. 6.5/10
Gemma Arterton, former Bond girl, and recently seen in Clash of The Titans really goes for a dark twist as Alice Creed. Feisty, independent and certainly not ready to be victimized her character is good. The problem is she gets no back story, we don't know enough about her and maybe that's the idea but she's too strong a character. Martin Compston, in my opinion, is the highlight of the film as far as performances go. As the young naive and scared Danny he shows a compassion and a real thrill to the story. He carries the film easily and ups the performances of everyone around him. If this film somehow manages to garner awards he is the one I wouldn't be disappointed to see up there. Eddie Marsan is the cold and calculated Vic. His character is completely twisted and plays a villain to story with nothing but villains ultimately. Marsan and Compston have good chemistry which is integral to the story but it isn't grade A chemistry. Still by the end of Vic's story he is a complete monster and its entertaining to watch the transition throughout the film.
J Blakeson is writer and director for the film and for the shortcomings to the film I think he should be given kudos for creating the story and the film. It is a dark twisted thriller that I think could have been more if it perhaps more depth to the entire film. I'm not sure of the budget for the film but I expect that it was likely extremely low. I think Blakeson made something on a shoestring budget on a shoestring idea so I suppose that really counts as something to critics. You will be entertained but I also think you'll see the short fall which is the length, lack of back story, and while the characters are interesting I felt like they could have been more interesting. Nonetheless its a solid thriller that I'm sure we will hear more about. 6.5/10