What Is the Story About?
Henry Pelham (Chris Paine), a retired CIA agent, is approached by his former boss Vick Wallinger with a new update on a tragic hijack incident that happened eight years ago. Vick suspects there was a mole within the agency that helped the hijackers. He asks Henry to interview Celia Harrison (Thandiwe Newton) and find the truth.
Henry and Celia had an affair and loved each other when working for the agency in Vienna. She leaves him after the tragic incident. Did Henry find out the truth about the mole? What secret does Celia withhold? What happens in the end forms the overall plot.
Performances?
Chris Paine and Thandiwe Newton are the main pillars of the movie. They drive most of the film with their conversations and emotions. Both have done a fantastic job holding the audience’s attention with their act.
Remember, a large chunk of the film happens within a hotel where Chris Paine and Thandwine Newton are seated. They just talk with one another and react with subtle emotions depending on the revelations. Both do well in emoting, although one can sense that Thandiwne gets the better part emotionally. The pre-climax and climax are where all the dramatic skills come to the fore, and they shine.
Analysis
Janus Metz Pedersen directs All The Old Knives. It is a mix of a spy thriller with a love story. The blend is more toward the thrill and suspense even though there is love and drama in store.
The start of the movie is typical of a spy thriller genre. There is a massive ongoing incident establishing the world and an incident that shakes them up -either positively or negatively. Here it is, the latter. However, the way it ends makes the narrative a little dizzy.
The real story is related to the aftermath of the tragic incident. When it is revealed, and the idea of a mole is presented, there is an instant curiosity and hook. One wants to know what happens next and how things will unfold.
The following proceedings lag a bit with the interaction between the two characters. However, it holds our attention once we get to the issue’s core. The slow-paced narrative is usually a problem, but considering the knotty links, they must be revealed carefully lest one gets confused. As it is, despite the slow pace, one might fail to follow the narrative properly.
The small twists and turns and drama keep one engaged. It is despite the chaotic vibe the screenplay gives. The real drama lies in the small conversations that one must follow diligently.
The complete picture develops in our minds only towards the final half an hour. We then realise there might be another twist in the tale. Some might get it earlier, given the suspicions all around, but the writing is good to cover it up initially.
The pre-climax and climax are the movie’s best parts, emotionally and thrill wise. If one gets it before, it may be a little less on the ‘thrill’ side. But, it is sure to work one way or the other. The actors also rise to the occasion and hold the attention with their performances. It is here in the final moments that it all comes together. The minor issue is the actual revelation, considering the significant implication it had elsewhere.
Overall, All The Old Knives is a decent slow-paced thriller set in the spy and love backdrop. The actors hold it together despite the muddled (in parts) screenplay. Give it a try if you like the stars and the genre.
Other Artists?
Many known faces are part of the movie, like Laurence Fishburne, Jonathan Pryce, Corey Johnson etc., but none have a substantial role. Two characters essayed by the leads primarily drive the film. The rest are merely extended cameos, although it is good to have their presence. They add to the overall appeal, but that’s it.
Music and Other Departments?
Jon Ekstrand and Rebekka Karijord provide the background score, which is alright. There are some high lovable bits, though, but they arrive far in between. Charlotte Bruus Christensen’s cinematography is intentionally dull, going with the cold vibe of the movie. Mark Eckersley’s editing could have been better. One feels that the narrative has been deliberately muddled not to let it be an easy guess for the audience. The writing is good and helps during the critical emotional parts towards the end.
Highlights?
Story
Lead Performances
Climax
Drawbacks?
Muddled Narrative
Editing In Parts
Flat Beginning
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
All The Old Knives Movie Review by Binged Bureau
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