Unknown
Bottom Line: Save your popcorn if you plan on watching this thriller.
Directed by: Jaume Collet-Serra
Starring: Diane Kruger, January Jones, Liam Neeson
Well-made, tolerably-acted psychological thriller reports of Dr. Martin Harris (Liam Neeson) who wakes up from a four-day coma in Berlin, Germany after a taxi wreck. Claiming to remember “bits and pieces”, such as the reason he came to Berlin in the first place, he approaches his wife (January Jones), who does not recognize him. After informing her that he is her husband, she shows him her husband–another doctor named Martin Harris. On top of that, no one believes him to be who he claims he is, convincing him that he must figure out what exactly is going on.
Aside from the compelling plot, the visuals were the highest peak in this film. Whenever a sudden realization or memory occurs to character Martin Harris, what we see is the type of film editing that should win an Oscar: a discolored flashback with flickering images and echoing audio, empowered by suspenseful music. Furthermore, there is an excellent, heart-racing car chase scene that seems endless but never loses its fun.
The main part of this film that did not please me was the acting. Aside from a single stunning performance by Liam Neeson, these people look like they’re doing exactly what they are doing: reciting lines off a script. If you, for whatever reason, think that is even remotely good acting, you’ve probably been in a coma longer than Liam Neeson’s character. No offense.
If you have a bag or two of popcorn handy, this film is highly recommended. The bland performances are what bring it down from being a thriller of a very high quality. One who can look over something of that nature will likely enjoy this film. In short: it could have been much better.
I liked this film more than I expected. The car chases were particularly exceptional. Great review!
Yeah, I agree; I was prepared to hate it. It’s definitely underrated a little.
I agree. It could’ve been much better. But it was OK, I had a good time at the movies. It’s nice to turn off your brain a little and enjoy something like Unknown.
Yeah, at first I had trouble “turning off my brain,” but I soon realized this was one of the films when I had to. Also: the scene when Liam Neeson’s character was reaching for the scissors had me thinking, “Use the Force, nimrod!” (Because he starred as Qui-Gon Jinn in Star Wars: Episode I. Haha.)