Review of He Was a Quiet Man (2007) by Yury M — 19 Mar 2008

He Was a Quiet Man is an unpleasant movie, but not in a particularly satisfying way. I have seen my share of disturbing, depressing and creepy movies, but I have somewhat developed an immunity to them, meaning, I do not easily get disturbed, depressed or crept out. However, this movie did the job. I hated the experience of watching it and I hated the after-taste. I still haven't figured out if it is simply a bad movie or if it actually touched upon something in my character, which would mean that it is an uncommonly powerful film. Right now I lean to the former. This movie stars Christian Slater (who?) in a role of an office clerk, who has come to despise the modern world, and particularly his office with all its bureaucracy, corporate mentality, hypocrisy and disregard for human lives. He chooses to take action. In many ways, this movie explores themes that were better developed in Fight Club, Brazil and at least a dozen of other movies.

Slater does a decent job playing against type. He is no Edward Norton, but then only Edward Norton is Edward Norton, so Slater will do. I command him for doing something different with his "acting career".

I can't really recommend this one.