Kevin's Watch

I must confess to a dislike of Mel Gibson, primarily for his anglophobia but more latterly for his inability to age with wisdom and grace rather than hypocracy, racism and overly public mid-life issues. However his movies are often very watchable and if you can suspend your disgust, he's actually a reasonably competent, action-hero actor. Edge of Darkness is a good yarn, keeps you guessing a bit as to where its heading and a conspiracy theory type scenario that is sufficiently non party political to allow even the most jaundiced to stay the course. I saw it on DVD, I don't remember at the cinema.

Whilst the ending does get hinted at too loudly and too early for me and when it arrives its not that unexpected, it has enough twists to satisfy and the movie as a whole works and if say Bruce Willis were playing the part Gibson does, it would probably have had a higher profile. The movie also stands out for me as another chance to see the development of Ray Winstone as a serious actor. His performance is considered and he is convincing as the puppetmaster's enforcer, tho' I think the role would have blossomed given more script and screen time to develop his characters back story. I think this was an opportunity missed to balance Gibson with an equally developed flip side character and create more of a "Heat" type dynamic.

Nonetheless, its worth a watch and whilst not Oscar material is certainly better than a night in with TV repeats.

I saw part of this film at a Dr.'s office and was intrigued. Will have to order on NetFlix---probably the last Gibson film I'll ever see, yeah the racism has gone over the edge and has totally shitcanned his career. (but he's got so much dam $ he probably doesn't care...too bad good director...)

It's a surprisingly good film. The less said about Gibson the person, the better, however he remains a very powerful and compelling actor. I read a review that compared him to Robert Mitchum. Both men at this point in their lives represented aging lions. Quiet and powerful, and will rip you to shreds if provoked.

It's a shame that Gibson continues to torpedo his career. Damn shame too, as the guy makes great movies.

I normally like him, and I haven't seen this film, but I did see Apocalypto the other day. It had some good moments, but for the most part it could have been retitled the Mayan Rambo.

You say "Mayan Rambo" as though that's a bad thing.

I do, yes. It works for Sly, but I didn't like the sudden turning of the story to that in this movie.

Which reminds me, Cail...Have you seen "Son of Rambow"? If not, you should. It's about some kids who decide to make a Rambo movie starring themselves. It's not amazing, but it is pretty funny and thought you might appreciate it.

You all need to track down the DVD of the original, 1985 BBC miniseries of "Edge of Darkness".

It is regularly mentioned as one of the very greatest television serials ever made, many people say the greatest, and is vastly richer than the film adapatation.

It was directed by the same man, Martin Campbell.