Knives Out (2019): “An Engaging Drama with Strong Technical and Production Values”
Director: Rian Johnson
Producers: Rian Johnson, Ram Bergman
Production House: Lionsgate, MRC
Music Director: Nathan Johnson
Cinematography: Steve Yedlin
Editor: Bob Ducsay
Language: English
Genre: Mystery, Crime, Drama
Runtime: 2 hours 10 minutes
OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Plot:
After the mysterious death of renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey, detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is hired to investigate the case. Each member of Harlan's dysfunctional family is a potential suspect, and as Blanc digs deeper, he uncovers layers of secrets, lies, and motives. Marta Cabrera (Ana de Armas), Harlan’s loyal nurse, finds herself caught in the middle of this family intrigue, leading to unexpected twists and turns as the truth behind Harlan’s death is revealed.
Performances:
Ana de Armas:
Ana de Armas shines as Marta Cabrera, Harlan’s caring nurse. She portrays her character’s vulnerability and moral compass brilliantly, making her the heart of the story. Her performance is both subtle and powerful, elevating the emotional weight of the film.Daniel Craig:
Daniel Craig is superb as detective Benoit Blanc, bringing a quirky charm to the role. His Southern drawl and commanding presence make for a captivating performance as he unravels the mystery piece by piece.Chris Evans:
Chris Evans delivers a standout performance as Ransom Drysdale, the arrogant and entitled grandson. His portrayal of a spoiled, rebellious brat is compelling and adds depth to the film’s unfolding drama.Supporting Cast:
The ensemble cast, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Toni Collette, and Don Johnson, all contribute solid performances that bring the Thrombey family’s dysfunction to life. Katherine Langford, despite limited screen time, also makes an impact with her role.
Technical Aspects:
Direction:
Rian Johnson delivers a well-crafted, engaging crime drama. His direction keeps the audience guessing, though the twist might feel a bit predictable. Still, his storytelling and character development are skillfully handled.Cinematography:
Steve Yedlin’s cinematography is a visual treat. Each frame is thoughtfully composed, capturing the elegance of the Thrombey mansion while maintaining a sense of intrigue and suspense.Editing:
Bob Ducsay’s editing is tight and keeps the film flowing smoothly. The pacing is mostly consistent, and even during the slower moments, the tension is maintained.Music:
Nathan Johnson’s score complements the film well, enhancing both the suspense and the emotional moments without overpowering the narrative.Production Values:
The production values are stellar. From the detailed set design of the Thrombey mansion to the high-quality costumes, every aspect of the film’s production is polished and adds to the overall atmosphere.
Strengths:
- concept
- Engaging drama
- Strong performances, especially by Ana de Armas and Daniel Craig
- Stunning cinematography
Weaknesses:
- Predictable twist
- Some lag in the middle
My Personal Take on Cinema:
Knives Out is a highly engaging crime drama that holds your attention throughout. While the film slows down slightly in the middle, it quickly recovers its pace. Rian Johnson’s direction and writing are sharp, even though the twist could have been more hidden. The performances, particularly by Ana de Armas and Daniel Craig, are remarkable and elevate the film. The cinematography and editing are masterfully done, and the music adds to the experience. Overall, Knives Out is a well-crafted film with strong performances, engaging drama, and impressive technical and production values.
Rating:
3/5
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