Review of Taking Lives (2004) by Shavonne — 09 Aug 2008

In order to really enjoy Taking Lives you must leave your pre-conceptions of what a serial killer thriller movie should be. I've read other reviews that mention that there are holes in the plot. I believe this is due to the minimal exposition in the writing.

If you pay attention, however you will find that most if not all the questions other movie reviewers posted are actually answered. The screenwriter gave us just enough information for the viewer with above average intelligence to imagine the remaining details.

What fun is a mystery if everything is spelled out in black and white? The opening credits seen is very interesting as it shows the killer dying his hair and more! I found one discrepancy with the portrayal of Angelina Jolie's character.

At first it appears as if she is almost clairvoyant, while throughout the rest of the investigation her actions are calculated and analytical. I've read many complaints about the change character's behavior near the end of the film.

I don't belive it was ever intended for Illeana Scott to be a hard-nosed, ballsy FBI Agent. The character was written to be flawed on purpose. I do feel that Oliver Martinez' (Paquette)acting was over-done with the "we don't need your kind" attitude.

But Jean-Hughes Anglade's perfomace as the curious and almost sweet SQ Investigator Emil Duval was very good. Even though Kierfer Sutherlund has minimal screentime, his character is crucial to the plot and they needed a strong, menacing actor to to the job.

And Kiefer hit the nail on the head! The last scene is very disturbing and will put you on the edge of your seat and the twist will have women viewers cheering for the scorned woman in all of us!