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While not as overt and accessible as A History of Violence, David Cronenberg’s latest picture Eastern Promises is just as compelling. While Eastern Promises touches on similar themes as A History of Violence; that of identity, family and the nature of violence itself. Its themes are expressed in a more ambiguous manner. This, in conjunction with a slightly sketchy plot, ultimately makes for a less successful movie. Despite this initial reaction however, there is more than enough intrigue and attention to detail present to make Eastern Promises a must see film. One whose meanings and merits will perhaps develop other time.
The acting is first rate, Viggo Mortensen again proves he is one of the great actors of his generation and Armin Mueller-Stahl’s performance is laced with menace. Lo
ndon is photographed in a fresh, moody manner and Cronenberg’s direction is typically thought provoking. The violence is handled note perfectly, the audience had an emotive reaction with every single moment of brutality. None more so than the climatic bathhouse scene which is not just a defining moment of the movie, but also a defining moment of this years cinematic achievements. One of the central concepts the film tackles is that of the human body as a tool. One to identify, to communicate, to deceive, to breed new life into this world, and to ultimately destroy. Perhaps our body is our greatest virtue, yet only too often is it used in a misguided and primitive capacity. Cronenberg is again showing us that more often than not, we are the architects of our own downfall.
