Review of Payback (1999) by Ben L — 03 Oct 2009

Just brought the blu-ray of this film which has the theatrical version and director's cut. Having seen the theatricl version, I was intrigued by the director's cut. If you read the stories, there was an argument between the studios and the director (Helgeland) about the director's cut so they reshot mainly the third act.

Throughout the film, there are noticeable differences but it is the ending that has really changed. For me, and I hate saying this because the makers of this film, including Mel, said they prefer the director's cut, say this film was less commercial and preferrable but I prefer the theatrical cut. There is more drive behind Porter's revenge and he certainly comes across more intelligent than he does in the director's cut. The director's cut lacks momentum and the conclusion doesn't feel as satisfying as the theatrical version.

For me, this is a good reason to have for saying "Mel Gibson is one of the better actors out there". To me, he's my joint first favourite. He is unlike other hollywood actors who stay in their comfort zone and play the same characters. Payback is the perfect example of going against type. He is very different to his role in lethal weapon. Ok so it is not the best thing out there but it is definitely a very well made film, both versions (I can appreciate the qualities in the director's cut but now much prefer the theatrical cut). See this if you like to have a grin on your face at the end of the film. You are bound to have one for quite a while.