Christopher McQuarrie's a big name in the action movie genre. First cutting his teeth in the highly acclaimed twisty-turney crime caper "The Usual Suspects", McQuarrie first brushed shoulders with eventual collaborator Tom Cruise by writing "Valkyrie" before solidifying himself with his live-action adaptation of personal favourite author Lee Child's creation Jack Reacher in ummm "Jack Reacher".
Regrettably not returning to direct the sequel, McQuarrie instead went over to Tom's OTHER big movie franchise "Mission Impossible" where he completely reinvigorated the series producing two of the best instalments in the franchise in "Rogue Nation" and "Fallout". But what of his earlier forgotten work?
Nestled between his work on "The Usual Suspects" and "Valkyrie", lies McQuarrie's first directorial feature. Much has been written by McQuarrie himself stating it as a missed opportunity to other critics declaring it to be a lost gem of the action movie genre. Having rapidly become a fan of Christophers' after his kick-ass adaptation of "Jack Reacher", I opted to hunt it down, knowing it often popped its head up in CEX at the time.
THE WAY OF THE GUN (2000 dir. Christopher McQuarrie)
Why I bought it/Why I liked it:
Always looking to broaden my horizons, I needed to unearth some action movie gems that were at least available in the country (regrettably so many delightful action films in the states have never made their way on home entertainment release on ol' Blighty). Looking through lists, one film appeared to keep popping up on critics lists. Further research revealed that a solid cast plus the rapidly impressive McQuarrie involvement made this one a bit of a no-brainer to pick up. Through CEX mail order I believe...
Benicio Del Toro is usually a firm favourite but I always felt bad for Ryan Phillippe. He never seemed to shake the stigma of the pretty-boy teen actor from "Cruel Intentions" despite putting in many noticeable good turns later on in his career. Here he was still the draw so despite Benicio being the veteran, Ryan gets top billing.
In truth, I can remember little about the film outside of the opening scene which is excellent and a pretty innovative final shootout scene at the end. Having watched the film with my old man, we both agreed that it was good but missing something throughout.
In fact, it looked like it was going on the chopping block then and there but the final act's shootout had impressed me that much that it was spared and replaced back in the collection. Foreshadowing?
If I think it'll stay in the collection:
Tastes mature and patience can be prolonged. When I was a college student, if you'd sat me down and made me watch "Amadeus", I would probably pay little attention to it, instead thinking about which wrestlers I could create in 'Smackdown: Shut Your Mouth' for the PS2. Fast forward a few years later, I watch "Amadeus" and am blown away. I have the patience to watch it now, my fidgeting at a minimum.
"The Way Of The Gun" may very well fall into this category, knowing I'm not gearing up for explosions until the final act, I can perhaps be more tolerant of the plot and how we get there. Or on the other hand, my suspicions were true and although enjoyable, it just doesn't cut the mustard. Only one way to find out...
The review:
Ok, quick tangent here. The back of the DVD has a 'Watch Out For:' feature on the back trying to promote other movies also distributed by Momentum Pictures. One of these films is "Requiem For A Dream", another independent 18 certificate film directed by Darren Aronofsky. I'm not a fan but it's certainly fitting in the independent adult film frame.
The other film is "The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle".
Who thought that promoting these two films together was a good idea? Why would you even promote a film where Robert De Niro attempts comedy is a good idea especially as it was universally panned? The mind boggles.
Right, tangent over. "The Way Of The Gun" was a much more enjoyable film for me the second time around. It is a film of its time though. There's no way a film like this could be made today.
It harks back warm memories of the wild west of independent film making. These days the major studios gobble up any hint of independent film making, attempting to just promote it as their own. Back in 2000, there was still leeway given, films made on a budget. Veteran movie stars looking to bolster their careers by appearing in an indy classic much like Mr James Caan is doing in this film. Much like Harvey Keitel took a chance on a young Quentin Tarantino.
Things aren't slick and polished, "The Way Of The Gun"'s backdrops are seedy and dusty but therein lies its charm. Our protagonists are not nice people in the slightest. Phillippe and Del Toro are petty thieves, kidnapping Juliette Lewis is hoping of making a big score and just getting out of this life. They'll happily maim, torture and kill just to get ahead in life yet somehow these end up being our 'good' guys. Yup, it's one of those 'No one's a good guy' films, a sub-genre of action films I always get a kick out of.
What unfolds is another layered twisty plot with reveals gradually being distributed throughout. It's good fun. Sometimes admittedly it can be a little too clever for its own good but I remained involved throughout showing that mature taste I mentioned earlier. The first time around, I sort of got lost a little in the plot, this time it made much more sense.
When before I saw a stripped-back budget film, now when I'm older I can appreciate its sparseness, actually pining for a time when films like these were made and simply had to rely on the resources available. As a result, the performances are of high quality for the most part and the action really delivers a punch. Even in his freshman effort, McQuarrie knew how to frame and present a tense action sequence.
Special mention should go to the excellent opening scene with a ranting Sarah Silverman on peak form. I always wonder what happened to her as one moment she was female comedienne du jour and suddenly she's gone. Shame as I'd rather have her around than Amy Schumer these days.
As mentioned there are some aspects of the film that may turn the modern viewer off, the payoff of the opening scene would never be filmed today and likewise, there's a somewhat uncomfortable piece of dialogue in a sperm bank where the homosexual slur word beginning with 'f' is used freely. I wouldn't blink an eyelid back then but modern-day conditioning does make you wince a little somewhat at the overuse of the word today.
Another point of notice is how desensitized to automatic weapons we were before 9/11. Phillippe's character has to remind them that guns are now present in a hostage situation in order to clear out any bystanders, again another example of a movie of its time.
Should it stay or should it go?
Once again I feel it just avoids the trading pile. There's enough here to warrant a repeated viewing, years down the line. I can see where some people might find this slow as I sort of initially did but if you've got the time and you have a love for the bygone age of the 90s to noughties independent scene, I think this movie will reward you. I'm giving it a 7 out of 10 but who knows if a third viewing might bolster its score.
Martial arts time next with one of the all-time great stars of the genre showcasing his many talents.
Until next time, I remain,
Matt Major.
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