The 'Not-So-Critical' Critic:
on THE GUNMAN (2015, 115 minutes, R)
The Quick of It -
In this action / drama, Sean Penn plays a sniper
(Terrier) working for a corporation who is running 'covert missions' in the
Republic of Congo. The story starts off
with his being tasked to kill the Minister of Mining. This assassination requires him to go underground afterward and has
a major impact on his psyche over the long term. Jumping eight years forward, he returns to the Congo and is
quickly made the target of a hit squad.
The plot follows his progress in discovering who wants him dead.
I would imagine director Pierre Morel (known for
TRANSPORTER and FROM PARIS WITH LOVE) had an easier time with Sean Penn as the
lead but I almost expect there could have been difficulty. Penn is such an intense actor, and with his
directing background, you would think strong personalities on the set could
clash but there is nothing to believe this the case as I watched. The style in which it was shot, the movie
(based on the novel "The Prone Gunman" by Jean-Patrick Manchette)
almost felt like a 'based on a true story' film and had an agenda to shed light
on the turbulence in the Congo. But
this also doesn't disrupt the high level of cinematography for the chosen
locations and a pace that culminates in a thrilling conclusion.
I went in not sure I would enjoy but was
pleasantly surprised. The location
choices with the intense level of skill used in the gunplay sold me on this at
first 'questionable choice' for a review.
Penn still keeps to a high level of choice projects and it pays off.
Grade: B
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