Director: Peter Berg
by Alex Watson
The devastation caused by the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing is brought painstakingly to life by Peter Berg. Patriots Day is a movie bolstered by an excellent cast who reflect the horrors witnessed and how a city attempts to rise again. Tobias Schliessler's jittery photography makes our nerves twitch even before the explosion hits. Director Peter Berg's pacing of the story and research of the 4-day manhunt that ensued is excellent. Boston Strong rings true in this picture and the courage displayed is a fitting tribute.
Sgt. Tommy Saunders (Mark Wahlberg) is positioned at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon. When a series of explosions happen, he and the Boston Police are faced with a frightening scenario. Forced to surrender control to FBI agent Richard Deslauriers, Saunders along with Police Commissioner Ed Davis (John Goodman) search high and low for the culprit. Meanwhile, a series of unrelated characters such as Watertown Sergeant Jeffrey Pugliese (J.K Simmons), Chinese entrepreneur Dun Meng (Jimmy Yang) and MIT Security guard Sean Collier (Jake Picking) will find themselves facing life changing moments.
From the first frame of Patriots Day, there is an eerie sense of dread lurking. Watching characters waking up bright and happy and going about their daily routines only intensifies the devastation. Tommy Saunders is a man who is working his way back into the good books of the Police, but agreeing to wear the 'clown vest' at the marathon. Situated mere yards away, Berg makes feel the full effect when the two pressure cooker bombs detonate. Saunders despite his leg injury has to act fast and he sees first hand how a peaceful day has turned into hell on earth. The bombs were placed at ground level, so many people have had their limbs blown clean off. Saunders and co are forced to take control quickly and it is in the moment we feel a strength setting in. We all know this moment is coming- the fact we sit powerless to prevent is what really shakes us. Seeing happy couples like Jessica Kensky (Rachel Brosnahan) and Patrick Downes (Christopher O'Shea) clinging to their lives is bound to hit the spot.
The aftermath is like a whirlwind and Berg rarely pauses for breath as the manhunt goes forward. Both Davis and Deslauriers bicker about whether or not to release pictures of their suspected subjects? One area where the movie both rises and falls in the depiction of bombers Tamerlan and Dzhokar Tsarnaev (Themo Melikidze and Alex Wolff). Presented as your ordinary pair of quarrelling brothers, Berg is careful not trespass into overblown and cliche territory. One of the harder aspects of this picture, it deserves credit for being so underplayed and the believability of the performances. The brothers are responsible for arguably the pictures most tense sequence when Dun Meng finds himself carjacked. This one act alone brings us further into their subconscious and their casual approach to more possible mayhem is utterly chilling. The women in this picture aren't given quite the same fair shake, Carol Saunders (Michelle Monaghan) is given little to work with other than look supportive. However, Melissa Benoist gets a powerful scene as Tamerlan's committed wife Katherine Russell.
We can feel their desperation setting in as the police cling to all possible clues. Pugliese emerges as pictures real hero as he heroically stands up to pipe bombs during an explosion filled final act. The ordinary officer pushed into the line of duty, not once does he flinch. Saunders is a character who is made out to be the main man of the piece when in reality he is devoted side character. Berg's praise and commitment in showing the courage and sacrifice of all Boston citizens make each character heroic. Security Guard Collier was murdered in his car for refusing to surrender his gun to the bombers. From the governor declaring marshal law to Dun Meng's display of impulsive bravery, every person is doing their bit. Patriots Day is not just about a city recovering, it is a film about people standing up and being counted. David Gordon Green's companion piece 'Stronger' also debuts in 2017, it will be tough to raise Berg's efforts.
Mark Wahlberg might be first billed as Tommy Saunders but he is by no means the main star. While his impassioned performance might impress in some areas, in others he falls flat. Wahlberg is used to this type of brave role, but Tommy is not always likeable. His whining of Deslauriers taking charge makes out him out to be an insufferable brat. J.K Simmons provides excellent support as Pugliese and he ably defines his cool under pressure as he willing goes up against the brothers. Kevin Bacon and John Goodman are drastically underused as the respective head law figures. Alex Wolff and Themo Melikidze both measure their performances well as the Tsarnaev brothers. Wolff is particular is excellent as the younger more youthful obnoxious sibling.
Patriots Day is a movie that exemplifies a cities struggle but also shows the gritty determination Boston showed trying to heal. Made with a lot of affection, if more blockbusters can show this type of heart it is a very good sign indeed.
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