Review of The Rock (1996) by Trergfirestorm — 18 Jun 2023

This year the film turned twenty-seven years old and a new acquaintance with the tape is timed not only to this date, but also to a complete acquaintance with the filmography of Michael Bay. The debut of the future cosplayer James Cameron, not in the style of directing, but in terms of the atmosphere on the set, happened on the film 'Bad Boys', with which they ran for more than one month before launching it into production. The debut turned out, we will analyze it in more detail later. And today we will review 'The Rock', considered by critics to be Michael Bay's best film, only 'The Island' got closer, but this is debatable. Next, I will share my impressions of a new acquaintance and some thoughts regarding this work. Get your drinks ready, let's get started.

Narrative criterion or narrative. The plot revolves around a US Army general who stole dangerous gas rockets and took him hostage in Alcatraz. In order to resolve the situation, the FBI connects Mason, who managed to leave the impregnable fortress, and chemist Stanley Goodspeed. The scenario is dedicated to detailing the process of saving innocent victims and preventing a global catastrophe. Action movies are not always distinguished by the branching of the script, but there is a difficult moral choice here. Globally, a film about how the army takes care of its soldiers in peacetime, withholding social benefits. Veterans of military conflicts cannot find themselves in peacetime. Post-traumatic stress disorder and corresponding phase shifts develop. In the film, a man of great intelligence went to the crime, which makes the audience of this action think about different facets of patriotism: people who love their country and watchdogs who follow orders. The latter from this point of view, in my opinion, look like absolute evil. The relationship between Goodspeed and Mason cannot be ignored either. Both became reluctant partners, both sometimes behave like old spouses, the best badi-movie films and the director's creative debut breathed.

Visual criterion or technical support of the tape. Since we have a blockbuster in front of us, we should start with such a moment as 'entertainment'. And last but not least, it is formed by camera work. John Schwartzman sets the frame in such a way that the viewer savored each explosion. It should also be noted the staging of action scenes (fights, chases, gunfights), and one of Michael Bay's iconic tricks - a 360-degree camera tour of the faces of the main characters. The visual storytelling is also backed up by a cool soundtrack and composing work. After all, none other than Hans Zimmer composed here. Each melody sounds on time and fills each frame with the necessary atmosphere, by increasing the suspense and the level of dramaturgy. And a corresponding note about the replenishment of the music collection and wallpapers for the desktop.

I am more than impressed with the acting. Nicolas Cage is still in good shape here, and although the role of Goodspeed does not require a deep immersion in character, the unbearably talented tribe reveals the humorous side of his character well. The voice of Stanislav Kontsevich suits him. Sean Connery is already a master of screen art here and is trying on the skin of an abandoned agent and how no one could understand the motivation of the main villain, but he has a slightly different temper and it is felt. He justifies his every appearance in the frame with charismatic views. Even David Morse was able to get in here. And even playing the villain managed to show reasonableness. And to complete the block about dubbing actors, let's mention that here was one of the first works of Alexander Bargman, Valery Kukhareshin wrote David Morse and, surprisingly, the union happened.

As a conclusion. After the success of this film, Bay began to be trusted with big budgets. Here is the perfect combination of a thriller about the military and a spectacular action movie, the third act is especially rich in action. Special thanks to the creators for the presented emotions. In addition to all the typical signs of a blockbuster, the ideological message here is correct, and the acting is excellent. I recommend it to fans of Michael Bay and connoisseurs of action movies.