“The Two Faces Of January” (12)
Directed by: Hossein Amini.
Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Kirsten Dunst, Oscar Isaac and Yigit Ozsener.
Rated: 12 for containing infrequent strong language, moderate violence and scenes of smoking.
Running time: 94 minutes.
Out on DVD and Blu-Ray from the 15th of September.
In the vein of Hitchcock’s signature style, first time director Hossein Amini (screenwriter of “Drive”) has retained the subject of suspense between his characters throughout this stylish and sleek film. Set in the sunny location of Athens, this twist-filled drama follows a seemingly normal American couple named Colette and Chester McFarland (Dunst and Mortensen), who after fleeing prosecution from American police, are now comfortably sightseeing in peace. Upon a chance meeting with a fellow American and tour guide named Rydal (Isaac), the couple become infatuated by his charm and skill, eventually deciding to invite him to dinner. After a heavy night of drinking and eating, Rydal accidentally witnesses Chester moving a seemingly unconscious man from his room and into a store cupboard. In his defence, Chester claims that the man had assaulted him and proceeded to subdue his assailant. Rydal agrees to help hide the man, but quickly discovers that there may be more to the McFarland’s than meets the eye.
As a directorial debut, Amini’s film adapts a much-loved novel into an exceedingly tense film, which is anchored by its lead actors. Mortensen provides a particularly unhinged, yet uncertain performance, as an alcoholic, who constantly surprises as his character develops throughout the film, specifically within scenes shared between Isaac’s and Dunst. Isaacs is also pleasing as his charming but cheating tour guide, whose attempt at handling the sexual tension between the characters of Rydal and Colette is exemplary. Surprisingly, Dunst provides one of her best performances in years, acting as the femme fatale who will eventually tear apart the group’s friendship.
In addition to its strong cast, Alberto Iglesias’s taut score is a joy to listen to, especially within the main titles of the film, proving his excellence in providing film scores of a rich nature. Amini also surprises in his directorial debut through his talent in many of the sequences, by composing stylish scenes to suit the genre.
The DVD/Blu-Ray also contains some fascinating special features, including three documentaries on the film’s shooting locations, the style of 60’s clothing used in the film, and providing the twist in a classic thriller. In addition to the documentaries, the special features also comprise of deleted scenes, a set of hilarious bloopers, and various interviews with the cast and crew. For the more dedicated of cineastes, the features also incorporate an option for the audience to view the film with a storyboard.
Verdict
Honouring Hitchcock’s signature style, Amini has not disappointed in his striking directorial debut, with characters that are rich in their complexion, a superb style and luminous performances from its cast.
Directed by: Hossein Amini.
Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Kirsten Dunst, Oscar Isaac and Yigit Ozsener.
Rated: 12 for containing infrequent strong language, moderate violence and scenes of smoking.
Running time: 94 minutes.
Out on DVD and Blu-Ray from the 15th of September.
In the vein of Hitchcock’s signature style, first time director Hossein Amini (screenwriter of “Drive”) has retained the subject of suspense between his characters throughout this stylish and sleek film. Set in the sunny location of Athens, this twist-filled drama follows a seemingly normal American couple named Colette and Chester McFarland (Dunst and Mortensen), who after fleeing prosecution from American police, are now comfortably sightseeing in peace. Upon a chance meeting with a fellow American and tour guide named Rydal (Isaac), the couple become infatuated by his charm and skill, eventually deciding to invite him to dinner. After a heavy night of drinking and eating, Rydal accidentally witnesses Chester moving a seemingly unconscious man from his room and into a store cupboard. In his defence, Chester claims that the man had assaulted him and proceeded to subdue his assailant. Rydal agrees to help hide the man, but quickly discovers that there may be more to the McFarland’s than meets the eye.
As a directorial debut, Amini’s film adapts a much-loved novel into an exceedingly tense film, which is anchored by its lead actors. Mortensen provides a particularly unhinged, yet uncertain performance, as an alcoholic, who constantly surprises as his character develops throughout the film, specifically within scenes shared between Isaac’s and Dunst. Isaacs is also pleasing as his charming but cheating tour guide, whose attempt at handling the sexual tension between the characters of Rydal and Colette is exemplary. Surprisingly, Dunst provides one of her best performances in years, acting as the femme fatale who will eventually tear apart the group’s friendship.
In addition to its strong cast, Alberto Iglesias’s taut score is a joy to listen to, especially within the main titles of the film, proving his excellence in providing film scores of a rich nature. Amini also surprises in his directorial debut through his talent in many of the sequences, by composing stylish scenes to suit the genre.
The DVD/Blu-Ray also contains some fascinating special features, including three documentaries on the film’s shooting locations, the style of 60’s clothing used in the film, and providing the twist in a classic thriller. In addition to the documentaries, the special features also comprise of deleted scenes, a set of hilarious bloopers, and various interviews with the cast and crew. For the more dedicated of cineastes, the features also incorporate an option for the audience to view the film with a storyboard.
Verdict
Honouring Hitchcock’s signature style, Amini has not disappointed in his striking directorial debut, with characters that are rich in their complexion, a superb style and luminous performances from its cast.
7 Stars out of 10
Written by Scott Gentry
Film Rating Key
1-2 stars out of ten = Awful.
3-4 stars out of ten = Average.
5-6 stars out of ten = Good.
7-8 stars out of ten = Excellent.
9-10 stars out of ten = Amazing.
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