Under the lens takes a deep look at films by focusing in on one or two particular areas of the picture that helped to define it for better or for worse.
Avenger is a 2006 action thriller directed by Robert Markowitz and stars Sam Elliott, Timothy Hutton, and James Cromwell. It follows Sam Elliott as a former special forces operative who now works as a freelance “Fixer.” He is hired by a wealthy businessman to find his missing son but soon finds himself caught between dangerous mercenaries and the CIA when he gets in the middle of a global plot involving terrorism.
UNDER THE LENS: Location Shooting and Justice
Location Shooting: In today’s modern age of filmmaking it’s rare to see a TV movie with extensive location shooting, and it was refreshing to see Avenger, a picture set in South Africa actually be shot there. While the film does use some greenscreen for a few of the larger action scenes, most of the environments are real, and we see Elliot traversing the deserts and quarries of South Africa. In this era of endless greenscreen and CGI it was very refreshing to see real locations and real action.
Justice: The world of Avenger is one steeped in moral greyness, however, the idea of justice for wrongs committed is brought up over and over again. Calvin Dexter believes in justice and the law, however at one point, he says he is having a hard time believing in justice anymore. It is because of this he has taken on the role of a vigilante fixer and gun for hire, however, he only works for those he feels have been wronged. In the story of the picture he takes on the case of a wealthy man whose son has gone missing and no one in the government will help due to the villains playing a role in international policy.
Avenger asks the viewer to consider the ends justifying the means, and the idea of the greater good. Is it worth it? Are we willing to sacrifice parts of our humanity to an ambiguous “Goodness” yet to come? Calvin Dexter is not willing to do that, justice is paramount to him, and he will sacrifice the good that may come in the future by letting evil go, for the justice of holding that evil accountable now.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The film showcases the banality of evil well
- Sam Elliot portrays a very realistic retired special forces operative, he is not a super soldier, just a well-trained guy
QUOTABLE QUOTE
Cal Dexter: I haven’t given up my faith in the law, it’s justice I’m having some doubts about.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Has there ever been a time in your life when you had doubts about justice being able to prevail?
CONCLUSION
Overall Avenger is a moody low stakes thriller that delivers action, and emotion and showcases the flaws of the “Greater good” system. Sam Elliot is a great choice and portrays a world-weary soldier who does not know if he really believes in justice anymore. Where Avenger is weak is in its character depth, while Elliot’s character came from a book, we get very little background of him other than what gives him motivation. The same is true about our villains and antagonists, however, Avenger shines with its on-location shooting and a good story. If you enjoy thrillers that have an edge of political intrigue and showcase a good man going up against the odds, then Avenger is a picture for you to watch.
