Review of Rendition (2007) by Daniel P — 15 Mar 2009

I had low expectations on this one, given lukewarm reviews and, especially, the horrible "just tell me where HE IS?!?" sound bite of Reese Witherspoon screaming in the upper octaves that blasted over commercial radio stations when it was released theatrically.

But Rendition is a very intelligent, beautifully filmed and, for the most part, well acted film, making very valid points without 'preaching to the converted' (I hate that term). The A-List stars actually have the smaller parts but play them well, Witherspoon excepted (her part is thankless and alternately dull and shrill).

Gyllenhaal especially impresses, leaving his trademark goofiness behind, instead playing his part with a mixture of numb passiveness and founded self-righteousness; he probably has the biggest 'character-arc' - although technically it's not really his story.

Speaking of the story, Rendition hinges around (spoilers here) a subtle messing of the perceived time-frame, delivering a brilliantly understated but excellently executed twist that sees all the pieces coming together in a satisfactory way.

Unlike the insipid, insulting and frequently stupid way in which torture is represented in say, the TV series 24, Rendition makes a compelling argument with subtlety and integrity. Recommended.