Saturday, December 18, 2010

The Tourist

With all talk of the superstar duo of Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie aside, it seems most people, including myself, knew nothing about The Tourist. Well, I should be fair. I knew that Jolie would strut across the screen for no cinematic purpose other than showing off some designer clothes the audience could never afford. And Mrs. Pitt obliged my anticipated peeve. But in regard to any type of story, I had no idea. Turns out Depp plays an American on vacation in Europe when he’s believed to be a wanted criminal with a surgically changed face. Jolie plays the real criminal’s love interest and accomplice.

While The Tourist is considered a thriller, it doesn’t contain the urgency that the genre should muster. The pacing is, in fact, quite slow, but that allows the simplicity of Depp’s performance to feature. Playing an everyday person for the first time in many years, it is an interesting presentation to watch because with all the talk of the actor’s depth as a performer we rarely see him play people that could actually exist in nature. So, combine the two actors and it is an interesting mix of real and overstated.

The film’s puzzle type plot is more out in the open than other movies in this element. The viewer’s attention is held throughout the entire movie, even if it isn’t always the most exciting developments on screen. I’m not the biggest fan of the resolution, but that is a matter of opinion. Similar to my review of Faster, it’s tough to believe that this movie had enough depth to be made without the attached star power. Though The Tourist is filled with quality acting involved in an intriguing plot. The aesthetically pleasing Venice backdrop doesn’t hurt either. It’s definitely worth watching. (7.8 out of 10)

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