Just Seen..... The Grey

       

Rubbish*  Ok** Good***  Great****  Unmissable***** 

Just Seen..... The Grey ****

  

  

 Don't judge a book by its cover seems to be the theme of the day when reviewing The Grey. 

    

               It’s always amused me that Liam Neeson having actively most of his life made it clear his hatred of violence has now, in the last decade, ironically become a middle aged action icon (Taken, Unknown, A-Team, Taken 2). 

             With The Grey's whole poster consisting of Neeson's angry face and with the tagline "Live or die on this day" it could be fairly obvious what type of Liam Neeson film were about to watch, however, upon viewing you soon discover this is not the case.

           The Neeson casting itself could have been more of a favour to A-Team Director Joe Carnahan (Narc), who originally had other A-Team star Bradley Cooper in mind for the lead. Neeson’s extra years certainly work better in the role, which lends more conviction to the film’s theme than I think younger but capable Cooper would have brought.   

             However ironically the presence of Neeson is also what has lead to the misconception of the film’s genre through its poster marketing. Presented as an action film (Based on its star’s current appeal) rather than the Thriller/Drama of which it truly is.  

            Neeson plays a Huntsman who protects oil drillers from attacks of wolves but begins the film a broken man hoping for death and attempting suicide.  

           The story revolves around a group of the oil drillers, who after finishing their last job are flying home only to crash down in Alaska. The survivors now lead by the huntsman (Neeson) have a new danger in the form of dangerous Grey Wolves whose territory they have accidentally invaded, who begin to pick the group off one by one.  

          The film follows alot of movie clichés that you would expect from Hollywood such as;

A)    Plane crash predicament leading to a survival mission.

B)     Each member of the group being picked off one by one in almost a slasher style layout.

C)    The protagonist happens to be an experienced huntsman, and they happen to be hunted by wolves.

            Where The Grey differs is the way in which the material is handled by Joe Carnahan who also co-wrote the script with Ian Mckenzie, who wrote the short story The Ghost Walker, which the film is based from. He takes the familiar scenes and alternates the way they are played out with dark undertones.

            The moment our first casualty is fatally injured, screaming in pain, confused colleagues trying to help to save him, Neeson’s character steps in to help… but not in the way you would expect. Instead of reassuring him and attempting to save him, he levels with him and explains that he his beyond help and will shortly die. He then tenderly explains the most peaceful way to embrace his passing, to think of his loved ones and stays with him, talking him through his body’s shut down as death takes him in front of stunned colleagues.     

            Helping the Director concentrate on the story telling aspect is the fact the budget is a modest (For Hollywood) $25 million which helps when propelling story not spectacle which is certainly the tone set here.

           The writers invested alot in character development, giving all the supporting cast personality and purpose. They all have different traits, extra details that make them valuable to watch. They bond together in one part of the film by exchanging personal stories. Neeson’s contribution is a story of his late father, who despite his toughened demeanor was a fan of poetry. He recites his Father one and only poem, which despite never grasping it’s meaning has never been forgotten by Neeson;

"Once more into the fray...

Into the last good fight I'll ever know.
Live and die on this day...Live and die on this day..."

           The writer’s invest in the all the supporting characters for a tactical purpose which becomes more apparent as the film goes on, in order to propel its final message. The tact involved is to slowly make you like and respect the survivors, then allow them to have a horrible grim demise. Perhaps one of the most haunting moments comes after one likable character has fallen to his near death, whilst laying there drifting in and out consciousness. He sees his young daughter come to him and affectionately console him, but in horrifying reality he is actually seen being eaten alive by wolves.   

          This is certainly not an overly jolly film, but then again plane crash survivors being hunted by wolves in arctic conditions never was going to be.
                                                                                                                      Outcome

          The outcome of the films very vibe is profound in itself when at the start Neeson’s character believes he has nothing to live for and wishes to die, but by the end when he actually has nothing to live for he then wishes to live and fight. That is a character transition worth the watch. This transition point is heightened by an abrupt fast cut ending, which leaves some audience members feeling ripped off, but if you got the filmmakers message then any other outcome would derive from the film's message... live and die on this day. The outcome makes no difference the message is there and Neeson’s character takes it firmly by the reigns.  

P.S

However if anyone is feeling curious, there is sneak clip at the end of the credits giving a teaser of the film’s conclusion.