Review of What Doesn't Kill You (2008) by Zarinah H — 04 May 2009

"What Doesn't Kill You" is a drama of substance, and the compelling performances of Mark Ruffalo and Ethan Hawke elevate this above just another formulaic story about two criminals in a working-class neighborhood in South Boston. Ethan Hawke and Mark Ruffalo play best friends Paulie and Brian, who work for a local crime lord [played by Brian Goodman] , their criminal activities covering extortion of protection money, petty crimes etc. Paulie is single and lives life to the fullest, whereas Brian is married [to Amanda Peet's character] and has two young sons. The two, in an attempt to make more money come up with a plan to rob drug dealers, and in the process, Brian develops a crack cocaine habit, much to his wife's chagrin.

In the course of a crime, the pair get arrested and land in jail, serving time for 5 years - a time frame that Brian spends regretting his past behavior and determines to change his life for the better. When Brian gets out of prison ahead of Paulie, he attempts to build back his life with his family, but keeps coming up against a hard wall. When Paulie gets out, he tries to get Brian involved in their old criminal activities again, and Brian faces the conundrum - does he go back to the familiar life of crime which `pays' or does he keep struggling in altering his life, crime-free?

The story may not be highly original, but the movie is well-directed, and the two leads are compelling in their performances. Mark Ruffalo especially, truly flexes his acting chops here, portraying a tortured soul who tries to redeem his past behavior with a new approach to life, but faces one obstacle after another. His acting is wholly credible and I'd say his role carried most of this movie. Ethan Hawke's character does not seem to be focused on as much here, but his Paulie is no less compelling, portraying a different character to that of Brian - Paulie lives only for himself, and is neither repentant nor apologetic about his criminal past.

Brian Goodman makes an impressive directorial debut here and "What Doesn't Kill You" rings true from beginning till the end. Not your typical shoot `em up movie, but more of a slow-paced yet compelling drama that will strike a chord in discerning viewers.