Review of TransSiberian (2008) by Matthew O — 21 Jan 2010

Hitchcockian styled thriller which follows a married couple through the famous Trans-Siberian Express train from Beijing to Moscow. A trip which has the couple makes friends with a young couple who isn?t all that they seem.

Brad Anderson follow up to The Machinist is a rather sluggish and tired thriller that although well acted, throws to many Russian stereotypes, showing most the people in a rather insulting rude horrible light. What doesn?t do any favours is when Ben Kingsley turns up in a very odd ball rubbish Russian cop to try and give the film an A list weight.

The cinematography is great, with all the shots of the train and its beautiful landscapes done very well. A few interesting set pieces including a shot of a horse tied to a pole spinning round and round and the train shooting pass is great.

Still the silly final third of the film caps off a disappointing, rather dull thriller.