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. Spoilers will be included in this review.
Patriots Day, is an action drama directed by Peter Berg and stars Mark Walberg and John Goodman, with a cadre of supporting talent including J.K Simmons, Michelle Monaghan, Kevin Bacon, and Melissa Benoist. The picture chronicles the bombing of the Boston Marathon and its aftermath as the city hunts down those responsible. This also marked the third time that Berg and Walberg teamed up for a film.
Under The Lens: Shootout, Supporting Actors and Emotion
Shootout: Peter Berg has a harsh and realistic way of filming, that resembles the style of Micheal Mann, his films almost have a documentary feel to them and this is never truer than in Patriots Day. The picture has an extended gunfight between the cops and terrorists that is expertly filmed and very tense. Bullets fly, bombs explode and even a mini slege hammer is used. The gunfight due to the style of filming puts the viewer right in the heart of the action and makes one feel almost like the residents who saw the shootout happen from their windows. The violence and explosions have a grittiness to them that makes you feel like you are right there watching.
Supporting Actors: The picture as mentioned above has many supporting roles filled by recognizable actors. Most notable were Melissa Benoist as the extremist wife of one of the terrorists, she turns in a great performance that is both tragic and chilling at the same time. J.K Simmons world-weary cop who happens to get drawn into an explosive situation was well played and further cement’s Simmions as a powerhouse actor. Overall these actors all brought a unique aspect to the role they were given, and it did not feel like the cast was just being “stacked” for the sake of star power.
Emotion: While this is an emotional story to begin with Berg does not just focus on the action and chase, he takes time out to show the reaction our characters have to the events. For example, Berg takes a break from the action to show Walberg’s character coming home to change and take a bath, he is mobbed by family wanting to know what is going on and overwhelmed he loses it swearing and ordering them out. Then breaking down in his wife’s arms begging her to not hate him for having her come to the race, and saying the images of the dead and wounded will never leave him. It’s a heart-wrenching scene seeing a tough as nails cop break down. Berg also developed side stories, such as the dating life of the cop who is killed, or the family of the man who is hijacked. In the end, these side stories flesh out the real people and make them “Real” in the picture, not just a name in the story.
Highlights
Peter Berg and Mark Walberg work well together, and that really shows here, there is an effortlessness to it all, that is great.
The docto style of filming worked really well for this picture, it made one feel like they were witnessing it, and this added to the overall viewing experience.
Something to think about
We are surrounded by everyday heroes, is there anyone in your life you would consider a hero?
Conclusion
Overall Patriots Day is a very heartfelt and emotional picture, it clearly is a love letter to the people of Boston and the tragedy that brought them together. The passion is fully evident, Berg’s signature documentary style was a massive strength as he seamlessly blended real-life footage with recreations, we feel the pain and emotion of what happened. Strong performances, exciting action, and emotional moments make this a picture not to be missed, and I think that film history will be kind to Patriots Day and we may well find it topping the list of historical motion pictures for many years to come.
