Road to Perdition

Plot

In 1931, Michael Sullivan is a top Lt for mob boss John Rooney. During a ‘hit’ with Rooney’s son Connor, one of Michael’s sons Michael Jr witnesses it. Connor takes it on himself to take out the witness, and Sullivan’s wife, without his father’s permission. The only problem is Connor killed Michael’s other son Peter, and now he wants revenge.

Direction

Absolutely brilliant film making from already Oscar winning director Sam Mendes, who uses some great techniques here that are neither overused or used arrogantly. Early in the movie uses techniques like ‘camera from the view of character’. Use of reflections and dolly shots are done well throughout the film too.

One characters entrance is done effectively, with quick camera cuts at the sound of a train going over train tracks slowly zooming out further and further.

I also enjoyed the great use of diegetic sound at times, and some good uses of no dialogue when characters are on screen.

The intense drama is broken up at times with some humorous moments, like the learning to drive scene, and Dylan Baker’s ‘particular’ Mr Rance encounter in the second act.

Cast/Characters

Tom Hanks in the primary role goes against type here, and plays the almost cold and callous father to two boys.  He plays this well, and his growth from being an almost absent father, to being the only person in his sons life is done to perfection.

Paul Newman is the MVP here, he gives masterclass in performance – with John at times giving a warmth (to Michael Jr and Peter) and dissolves into almost frightening. It was no wonder he was Oscar nominated for this role.

Jude Law gives a brilliant performance too as Maguire, another antagonist that goes after the two Michael’s. Despite his limited screen time, (not appearing until almost 1hr into the film) he excels in every scene, with a solid creepy American accent, and rotten teeth to add to his gritty demeanor.

Daniel Craig (pre James Bond) gives a solid performance as Connor, and his American accent is near flawless.

Tyler Hoechlin (now known as televisions Superman) plays Michael Jr, and gives an amazing job giving stellar examples of many emotions throughout the proceedings.

Secondary cast members include Jennifer Jason Leigh and Liam Aitkin as the two Michael’s mother/brother and Ciaran Hinds as one of Rooney’s Lt’s, and Stanley Tucci as another big city mob boss.

Screenplay/Setting/Themes

The setting of 1931 is practically flawless, with attention to detail in set designs, hair and makeup, and primarily the cars that characters drive.

The primary themes are family; the relationships between father and sons (Michael and Michael Jr, and John and Connor). There is also strong jealousy between characters as well (Connor being jealous of John’s admiration of Michael, Michael Jr being jealous of how Michael is with Peter).

There is also the revenge and betrayal element, whereby Michael wants revenge on Connor for what he did to his wife and child.

Score/Soundtrack

If I am to be truthful the score work by Thomas Newman was a little too good. It adds to so much tension, and works well within the setting. One brilliant moment comes towards the end when the score plays instead of the machine gun violence playing on screen.

Maguire also gets his own quirky tune at times too, which is done well. Newman was rightly nominated for this role.

Overall

Practically faultless, a high recommend from me.

5/5