Review of Blood Father (2016) by Michael J — 27 Aug 2016

I've been a fan of Jean-François Richet since Assault on Precinct 13. That movie was a little thin on the script side however I believed the technical aspects were handled quite well and the film ended up being quite a tense piece of cinema with a very competent cast that played off the claustrophobic theme of the story effectively.

Following that, Richet most definitely demonstrated his chops as a good storyteller too; co-writing and directing the two part biographical epic Mesrine: Death Instinct and Killer Instinct (also known as public enemy number 1).

I had much appreciation for both these films and so did critics. With Blood Father however, we have somewhat of a mixed bag. But from my assessment, it is not the the fault of Mr Richet, but rather it's leading talent Mr Gibson.

I personally hold no animosity towards Mr Gibson for his controversies in the past; he fucked up quite significantly and now it seems he's trying to turn a new leaf. These real life personal struggles have lent themselves to the narrative the Blood Father is a comeback for Gibson and his best performance since Braheheart or something.

I respectfully disagree. For me, I've always found his performances to be a little on the hammy side probably since mad max 3. He exaggerates everything from mannerisms, sighs, scenes of fear and aggression.

A movie like this requires someone at the helm that can convey emotions whilst maintaining a sense of subtlety. He is charismatic; but the way he handles the dialogue in such a theatrical manner means pinnacle scenes end up a little too melodramatic.

For me any sense of low-key visceral moments were lost amid Gbson's mishandling and the film's overall aim to deliver a bold tale with grandiose themes such as redemption, survival-ism, identity and legacy never quite materializes.