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First, to get it out of the way for everyone – Perdition: NOUN: 1a.
Loss of the soul; eternal damnation. 1b. Hell. 2. (Archaic) Utter
ruin. Your language lesson for the day, and the six weeks we witness
in the life of Michael Sullivan, a hit man for a Capone underboss.
This is the second effort from Sam Mendes, director of “American
Beauty.” Mendes avoids the “Sophomore Slump Curse” and succeeds once
again in the telling of the small stories that make up the biggest
moments of our lives.
Based on the graphic novel by Max Allen Collins (illustrated by
Richard Rayner), Perdition serves as a place of refuge for Michael
Sullivan and his twelve-year-old son, Michael Jr. Let’s face it,
Perdition looks pretty good when you’re up against the psycho son of
your long-time boss John Rooney. Let’s face it, when you’re the
designated “Angel of Death,” and Conner Rooney is giving you cause
to say “aren’t we going a little too far?,” then you’re up the
proverbial creek when push comes to shove.
Push comes to shove when young Michael decides to stow away in the
car to ride while Conner and Sullivan ride on a job one night. What
was supposed to be a simple warning becomes a vendetta killing for
Conner – one that Sullivan is forced to complete. When Michael Jr.
witnesses the murder, Conner questions the ability of young Michael
to keep the secret. Trick is, Conner really doesn’t ask so much as
plot for a knee-jerk reaction. Even though it is obvious Conner is
despised by his father (played by Paul Newman), Daddy will choose
blood over loyalty, intelligence and ability any day of the week. It
is this decision that leads to the most unlikely father-son bonding
movie.
I don’t want to give away too much of this movie, as it is
well-worth seeing. So, I’ll take this time to do
normal-reviewer-type stuff. First of all, this movie is an absolute
visual masterpiece. I’ve seen just about every gangster film made
and this is the first one I’ve seen that shows the absolute silence
that is the life away from the job. It is a life of secrets that
have to be kept, and these secrets permeate every square inch of the
Sullivan household. Mendes does a brilliant job of demonstrating
this separateness from the world as it exists for the Sullivans.
From this vantage point, Mendes then weaves a story about bridging
the gap between stoic silence and contended warmth between father
and son. It is a sight to behold.
In addition to a strong performance from Tom Hanks, Jude Law makes
an impressive appearance in the film (yet another think I shouldn’t
talk too much about). For those of you keeping the Oscar tally,
expect to knock off a good ten nominations with this film alone.
The Usual:
Recommendation: Full-price, no questions asked.
Main Reason To See This Film: The ads aren’t kidding. The movie
really is that good.
Main Reason Not To See This Film: Okay, the ads are lying a bit. I’m
not quite sure what Paul Newman’s accent is supposed to be, but old
and dusty about describes it. Methinks it’s time for Paul to take a
job behind the camera. Better yet, he and Joanne have earned their
retirement – they should enjoy it!
MPAA Rating: R
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