How would you react if your skills and knowledge were the only thing that could save the people around you? Would you jump right in? Would you think twice? In the movie The 15:17 to Paris, which is based on a true story, three American men respond to an extraordinary call: to save the lives of hundreds of train passengers by taking down a terrorist. Through a story of friendship, compassion, and purpose, this film examines the making of a hero. This character-driven action/coming-of-age film follows the lives of these men, detailing the beginning of their childhood friendship all the way to their train rescue.
This film obviously covers the man vs. man conflict, as the three heroes – Spencer Stone, Alek Skarlatos, and Anthony Sadler – fight the terrorist. Another conflict that comes into play is perhaps even more important than the previous, and that is of man vs. self. As the film largely focuses on Stone, it shows his transformation as he works to overcome his lack of work ethic to become a disciplined soldier, who, when faced with an enormous challenge, is willing to sacrifice himself to save the lives of countless others.
One incredibly unique aspect of this film is that Stone, Skarlatos, and Sadler actually play themselves (as adults) in the movie. This has its strengths and its weaknesses. One strength is that the camaraderie between these friends transfers to the screen. Their onscreen chemistry is quite believable as Stone and Skarlatos make fun of Sadler as he is constantly taking selfies. One weakness comes from the fact that they are not professionally trained in speaking or acting. Unfortunately, this is very obvious in some scenes. The beginning of the movie contains a voiceover by Sadler. He does not have the commanding voice that one would expect from the narrator. This reflects poorly on the start of the film.
One incredibly unique aspect of this film is that Stone, Skarlatos, and Sadler actually play themselves (as adults) in the movie. This has its strengths and its weaknesses. One strength is that the camaraderie between these friends transfers to the screen. Their onscreen chemistry is quite believable as Stone and Skarlatos make fun of Sadler as he is constantly taking selfies. One weakness comes from the fact that they are not professionally trained in speaking or acting. Unfortunately, this is very obvious in some scenes. The beginning of the movie contains a voiceover by Sadler. He does not have the commanding voice that one would expect from the narrator. This reflects poorly on the start of the film.
I was also disappointed by the performances of some of the more seasoned actors. For instance, Jenna Fischer, who plays Skarlatos’ mom, seems disingenuous for the majority of the movie. Many of her scenes appear almost cheesy, which throws off some of the important messages that she is trying to relate.
The cinematography and editing were very impressive. The opening scene shows the terrorist as he enters into the train station. There are close-up shots of his shoes, the back of his head, his suitcase, but never of his actual face. This is powerful as it stirs suspense and foreshadows what’s to come. The editing, especially during the actual attack scene, was very impactful. The camera cuts between Spencer as he struggles to subdue the terrorist, an injured man bleeding on the floor, and the horrified faces of other passengers as they witness it all.
The cinematography and editing were very impressive. The opening scene shows the terrorist as he enters into the train station. There are close-up shots of his shoes, the back of his head, his suitcase, but never of his actual face. This is powerful as it stirs suspense and foreshadows what’s to come. The editing, especially during the actual attack scene, was very impactful. The camera cuts between Spencer as he struggles to subdue the terrorist, an injured man bleeding on the floor, and the horrified faces of other passengers as they witness it all.
In his classic style, director and producer Clint Eastwood bases this film off a true story, using the book The 15:17 to Paris: The True Story of a Terrorist, a Train and Three American Heroes as his source material. Also known for his hands-off directing, he allows Stone, Skarlatos, and Sadler free reign on their recreations. In this interview, they talk about his approach to working with them.
Overall, I felt that this was an above average film. Although the acting was sub-par, the chemistry between the actors, the editing, and the cinematography made up for it.
Check back here next week for more reviews!
Film Grade: B
Until Next Time,
Kathryn (The Redhead Behind the Reviews)
2/14/18
Overall, I felt that this was an above average film. Although the acting was sub-par, the chemistry between the actors, the editing, and the cinematography made up for it.
Check back here next week for more reviews!
Film Grade: B
Until Next Time,
Kathryn (The Redhead Behind the Reviews)
2/14/18