This is essentially a straightforward story which has been presented in a curious, even pretentious style, and thus made it, or attempted to make it, more complex than it is.
The basic facts are withheld to hold some degree of suspense and then it is cut up, back and forth over time, so there is an uneasiness in the relationships shown at the time.
The nature and flow of the relationship are important but the editing has made them confusing. The relationship between lawyer and protagonist is a case in point. This process is not useful because there is a basic moral story at the center of the film which is dissipated by the editing and script choices.
It is here that the soundtrack seems to play a critical role. Emerson Lake and Palmer's 'Pictures at an Exhibition' saturates the film through chase sequences and Lake's vocal accompanies the lead as he struggles at various points. The lyrics of the songs seem to underline the action, and the character of the protagonist in the film. That seems the only justification for giving so much time to this work by the band. It is not entirely worthwhile.
There's a fairly interesting story inside this film but it needs re-cutting, shaping some scenes better, and losing the pretentious air of existential angst. And a better balanced soundtrack would help too.
The basic facts are withheld to hold some degree of suspense and then it is cut up, back and forth over time, so there is an uneasiness in the relationships shown at the time.
The nature and flow of the relationship are important but the editing has made them confusing. The relationship between lawyer and protagonist is a case in point. This process is not useful because there is a basic moral story at the center of the film which is dissipated by the editing and script choices.
It is here that the soundtrack seems to play a critical role. Emerson Lake and Palmer's 'Pictures at an Exhibition' saturates the film through chase sequences and Lake's vocal accompanies the lead as he struggles at various points. The lyrics of the songs seem to underline the action, and the character of the protagonist in the film. That seems the only justification for giving so much time to this work by the band. It is not entirely worthwhile.
There's a fairly interesting story inside this film but it needs re-cutting, shaping some scenes better, and losing the pretentious air of existential angst. And a better balanced soundtrack would help too.