The last time we got to see Mel Gibson onscreen was in 2002’s Signs. When asked why it took so long for him to return he said acting had gotten boring and he wanted to take a break to return on something that was compelling and well made. It looks like he kept to his word. Edge of Darkness hearkens back to the 70’s style espionage thriller with it’s slow pace, little action and a lot of character development. This is not the 2 hour ass kicking fest that the trailer would have you believe. This is something much better and way more intelligent.
The initial plot of Edge of Darkness is simple enough. Detective Thomas Craven lives alone in the suburbs of Boston. His daughter comes home for a few days and she soon becomes extremely ill. As she and Craven are leaving for the hospital she is gunned down and dies immediately. This is when the movie begins to show its true colors.
In regards to Martin Campbell’s directing, this movie was perfect for him. If you like the slow portions of Casino Royale and Goldeneye, where you are taken deep into Bond’s character and emotional state then you will love Edge of Darkness. A lot of this movie is about examining the psychological state of Craven after having his daughter die in his arms. One can only imagine what he is going through and any parent will feel true pain for him. This makes his actions all the more understandable and relatable.
One of the things this movie excelled at was building tension. Similar to the kind of tension one would experience while watching Inglorious Basterds. Your heart begins to race when you think something is about to happen, and when nothing does you feel that much more moved and relieved. Then, when you least expect it… BANG! The film was great at making the audience care for the usually pointless side characters. The ones that don’t add much to the plot of the story and are just there for needed exposition. I felt truly moved when something would happen to them, similar to the way one would feel while watching an episode of 24.
As for Gibson, he’s fine. He definitely hasn’t lost his touch. His Boston accent was a bit iffy but it’s watchable. He is one of the few nitpicks I have with the film. He has turned the corner into the town of Harrison Ford and Clint Eastwood, where he just grunts a lot. But even those grunts come off as more intelligent than most young actors today. Gibson is still able to command a scene and point the audience exactly where he wants them to be.
Edge of Darkness is a well made espionage/thriller/revenge film. If you’re a fan of the genre then you will have a great time at the theater. Just don’t walk into the film expecting Taken 2.
8.5 out of 10
Did the slow pace of Edge of Darkness work for you?