The Road to Perdition Review
by Shannon Patrick Sullivan (shannon AT morgan DOT ucs DOT mun DOT ca)July 22nd, 2002
ROAD TO PERDITION (2002) / *** 1/2
Directed by Sam Mendes. Screenplay by David Self, based on the graphic novel by Max Allan Collins and Richard Piers Rayner. Starring Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Tyler Hoechlin. Running time: 116 minutes. Rated AA for violent scenes by the MFCB. Reviewed on July 20th, 2002.
By SHANNON PATRICK SULLIVAN
Synopsis: It is the winter of 1931. Michael Sullivan (Hanks) is an enforcer in the employ of mobster John Rooney (Newman), who came to his family's aid during difficult financial times when Michael was a boy. Rooney is almost a surrogate father for Michael, but when his own son, Michael Jr (Hoechlin), is caught spying on his father's nocturnal activities, the Sullivans find themselves on the run, pursued by gruesome hitman Harlen Maguire (Jude Law).
Review: Although it lacks the dramatic punch and offbeat flair of "American Beauty", "Road To Perdition" nonetheless marks a fine sophomore effort for director Mendes. As in "Beauty", Mendes successfully marries a solid plot, interesting characters and inspired visuals. But whereas in his debut outing, these three elements were in almost immaculate balance, in "Perdition" it is the latter which is by far the most impressive. Indeed, although the plot here is well told, it suffers from being a tad too obvious, a little too familiar. Audiences will enjoy its unfolding, but will find themselves surprised by few of its developments. What this film will be remembered for will be the way Mendes and cinematographer Conrad L Hall have clearly laboured over the composition of every scene. The result is a movie in which the cold and the damp of a Midwestern winter seem to seep off the screen. Hanks gives a measured performance in what is something of a change of pace for him; Michael Sullivan is not a character who draws attention to himself, and Hanks is appropriately quiet and subdued. Nonetheless, he creates a vivid relationship with Hoechlin, and the way their familial bond develops is engaging. Always excellent is Newman, who has lost none of his immense on-screen presence, and who finds depths in a mob boss who could have easily been one-note.
Copyright © 2002 Shannon Patrick Sullivan.
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