Movie Review: Dead Man Down (2013)

Victor (Colin Farrell) is Alphonse’s (Terence Howard) trusted partner in crime. When Alphonse begins receiving threatening messages, a quest to uncover the identity of the perpetrator ensues. Meanwhile Beatrice (Noomi Rapace), Victor’s mysterious neighbor, is keen to be involved in his troubled life.

DeadMan Down is Danish director Niels Arden Oplev’s first attempt to direct an English language movie. Oplev rose to prominence in 2009 when he directed the feature length adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s inherently dark and disturbing novel The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo.

The Dane is also well applauded for launching the fledgling career of Swedish actress Noomi Rapace. She has gone on to star in blockbusters such as Prometheus and Sherlock Holmes.

DeadMan Down is a brooding thriller based on redemption and revenge with heartfelt emotion at its core. Noomi Rapace and Colin Farrell have undeniable chemistry in what unfolds as a stringent double-edged relationship. A destructive yet immensely necessary bond, one which allows for mutual understanding of the inner turmoil they are burdened with. Their back stories pack emotional punch which is powerful enough to overcome.

Also, the casting of Terence Howard as crime boss is astute as he is an intimidating presence who commands attention in confrontational encounters with Farrell. Look out for the expertly shot scene in the darkened room as a prime example. The movie may have a few low key scenes, but wait until you reach the blistering climax.

We are all thankful that Oplev has not crafted a run of the mill, archetypal revenge heist thriller. Instead Dead Man Down transpires as a multi-layered drama. Farrell plays the central role with verve and in a tragic key that pushes his performance up high. Critically, there is no hero to side with in the film. We are left to analyze on our own. Do we have a right to seek revenge? Would an eye for an eye result in immorality? Themes of bullying and the aftermath of disfigurement form central tenets of critical analysis as well.

There is no question that Oplev truly knows how to get the best out of his films.