Domino Review
by Tim Voon (winklebeck AT hotmail DOT com)November 23rd, 2006
Domino (2005)
A film review by Timothy Voon
Copyright 2006 Timothy Voon
1 out of 5 stars
Cast: Keira Knightley, Mickey Roarke, Lucy Liu, Christopher Walken, Jacqueline Bisset Director: Tony Scott
Based on the true life story of socialite, Ford model, Domino Harvery (daughter of actor Laurence Harvey) become bounty hunter, does little to amaze or inspire the viewer. Perhaps it may have been more interesting or amusing, if the role reversal were bounty hunter becomes socialite princess. The fact the Domino Harvey dies at the age of 35 from a drug overdose, does little to glamorize her career. Fortunately, this is not how the movie concludes.
Tony Scott has decides to direct and film this movie with an edgy, pop culture video style, jumping from scene to scene like he's on speed. Scott has his foot on the pedal from the word go and doesn't know when to take his foot off the accelerator. Unfortunately, this started to grate on my nerves after awhile. Also, I'm not a fan of the tainted, rustic brown coloration of the movie frames, which gives the film a grittier feel.
I find that Keira Knightley is too pretty for the role of Domino Harvey. She has some great scenes flicking nun-chucks with conviction, dual wielding 2 machine guns and lap dancing some mean thugs for information. Still, I sense some reservation in her performance as Domino. Mickey Roarke does not disappoint as veteran bounty hunter Ed Mosbey. Roarke's look has grown meaner with time, and every wrinkle on his face oozes the tale of a fast hard life. He is made for roles like these.
I am not sure how accurate the screenplay written by Richard Kelly is to the original events that occurred. I did find it a little unbelievable, and over the top how these bounty hunters who become reality TV stars, end up in so much trouble they are hunted down by major criminal bosses resulting in multiple deaths. I guess if what is shown on screen is indeed true, it just goes to show us what a truly crazy world we live in. However, I sense that the actual facts have probably been glamorized for the sake of this movie.
Overall, I didn't enjoy this violent film when it was over. Much of it may be because I couldn't empathize with any of the unpleasant characters, and as a result, couldn't have cared if they lived or died. Especially, when their actions are mostly dictated by a quick buck and a cheap thrill does little to warm me to the world of bounty hunters.
Timothy Voon
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