Domino - in theaters Oct. 14

Domino - in theaters Oct. 14
Originally uploaded by candy.

Two aspects of this movie had me glued from beginning to end; the cast and the directing style. I went in expecting intense action and a movie that made bounty hunters appear glamorous, and I got what I expected and more. If you like Tony Scott’s previous films, like "True Romance" and "Man On Fire," of course you’ll know what to expect too.

The cast was led by a very different version of Keira Knightly than we’re used to seeing. She was brash and tough and boyish, one would almost forget her sweet role as the new bride in “Love Actually.” I’ve never met the real Domino Harvey, but I could tell that she hit the mark for this particular movie. The movie called for someone who could show a dark personal side, someone who had issues with her father and mother, someone who had a tough exterior but had a soft spot somewhere; and Keira Knightly was perfect for the delivery of such a role. Also in the cast was Mickey Rourke who, like Chris Walken, was called back into the action after Tony Scott worked with them in “Man On Fire.” Mickey delivered his trademark laid back tough guy, as he played a hero in Domino’s eyes, but also had a soft center.

Chris Walken was the comic relief, sort of, in this film. His scenes made a nice little Walken sandwich about halfway through the movie. (We like Walken sandwiches, though we’d like him to be the bread as well as the meat!) His character, combined with his perky but professional "yes girl", played by Mena Suvari, rounded out the cast. Walken’s lines stirred laughter in the theater whenever he was on screen. (I went to a preview and there were only about 10 people there) He plays a reality TV show producer for the WB Network, presumably trying to coat-tail success of “Cops,” by following the action of these bounty hunters with cameras. I got a little personal thrill, being a graphic designer, as Walken’s character got upset when someone changed a font and for a moment he reminded me of so many of my clients/bosses who’ve overreacted because of a font decision. It made me smile as he hit the nose on the delivery of that attitude and the way he said the lines, “You changed the font, why?” (don’t you hate it when you go see a movie by yourself and you laugh out loud and the whole audience turns to look at who found it so funny?)

Also, since I mentioned the TV fiasco aspect of this movie, I should mention another great piece of writing, which was to include two celebrity hosts for the reality show; Ian Ziering and Brian Austin Green from 90210 played themselves! It was a hilarious idea to have two pampered pretty boy actors along for the action. And, another cast member with a good role was Lucy Liu who plays Domino’s interrogator, so essentially helps Domino to narrate the plot points and propel the story along. And, I should mention Edgar Ramiraz, who gave a good performance and, ahem, was extremely sexy in his role as Choco, a bounty hunter who selectively speaks Spanish, and who is sort of a love interest for Domino.

The cast wasn’t all that made this movie watchable. Tony Scott definitely has a distinct style, not unlike a graphic designer might have. As someone who isn't involved in movie making, I'm not sure what choices were Scott's or what might have been dictated in the Richard Kelly screenplay, or what might have been in cinematographer Daniel Mindel’s mind. But, one could easily see that the same director who did “Man On Fire” did this movie. The oversaturation, the use of the hand crank camera, the grainy monochrome areas, and the spinning effect while during a character's monologue, are all such recognizable "Scott" effects he uses to deliver this ultra cool piece. In advertising, we’d say, “It’s a Nike.” (meaning, it hits the target market and glamorizes its “product” – in this case, the action and storyline.)

If you aren’t a fan of violence and intense action, don’t go see this movie. Domino is sort of an unsympathetic hero, in the way they portrayed her to be ruthless in attaining her goals, but deep down she really cared about people too. I did notice a couple of people walked out when Domino did a lap dance in order to get information from a thug. Hey, what’s wrong with using your God given gifts once in a while, eh? Well, to each his own. If you do go see this in the theater, don’t sit close-- go to the last rows. I found that all the action was a bit much for my eyes and I ended up moving back. I should have predicted that since “Man On Fire” was the same way. It’s just a lot to take in and you need some space between the screen and your eyes.

I don’t do reviews that often, but my take on this movie is that it’s another great action film with a unique style of directing. If you like interestingly directed action movies, go see it!

Domino Official Page