Review of The Man Who Wasn't There (2001) by K W — 03 Apr 2011

The filming perspectives of this crime drama are wonderful. Although it is film noir it contains a certain visual aesthetic surpassing the genre that makes The Man Who Wasn't There come across as unique, refreshing and a pleasure to view, things I don't always experience from film noir. A big nod to Roger Deakins for the award winning cinematography.

The writing, acting and directing are equally skillful. A great lineup supports Billy Bob Thornton's superb portrayal of Ed Crane, a quiet, thoughtful, brooding barber searching for something new in a meaningless, status quo 1949 life.

The film is somewhat depressing, but not oppressive. Three people die as a direct consequence of Ed's decision to take advantage of a business deal, a decision emerging out of his own personal desperation and desire for change. The sequence of events and relationships set in motion careen out of control and, in a fateful twist, ultimately come back to claim Ed.

But the film does not neglect hope. It appears in the person of Birdy Abundas played by Scarlett Johansson, a young pianist whom Ed befriends in an attempt to save her from the confines of a mundane life such as his own. Ed feels at peace listening to Birdy play and believes she has a chance to suceed, also seeing in her an opportunity for his own salvation. Although she expresses no interest in playing professionally and her ultimate fate is not revealed, she survives a car crash late in the film and we are left to imagine her life as we will.

For a crime drama there are some holes, though forensic science in 1949 wasn't what we've come to expect today. But the film begs the question, who are the real perpetrators and victims? The answer, it seems, is that we are all ultimately victims of our own devices.

All in all, this film is a winner with a bit of an edge that keeps it unpredictable and engrossing.