Knox Goes Away

When watching movies across many era's, certain actors stand out more than others. It requires excellence across many projects, and due to the rich history of film, there are a lot of names on this list. Some obvious classic names are Bogart, Grant, Steward and Hepburn, Kelly, Bergman - and I think the further one goes back (within reason), the easier it is to identify these exceptional, stand out performers. But they exist in every era, and to finally come around to my point Michael Keaton is one of these great performers in the modern era.

Worth mentioning that the great performance in Knox Goes Away is also Keaton's direction debut - though I'm sure Keaton understands more about direction at this point than many of the film makers he's worked with, just due to his work within the media.

Knox Goes Away is about a hardened, professional criminal at the end of his prime. He would be able to still do his job if it weren't for a rare condition revealing itself as a rapidly deteriorating mind. Knox (Keaton's character) has enough self awareness to see his fate coming, and takes steps to resolve his life the best he can. But surprise! A desperate family situation arrives at his doorstep - making his plan to resolve things even more complex, and ultimately? His last great challenge to perform.

The greatness of this film is all Keaton's performance and his character's context. There's a tragic nature to the main character and his situation that as a viewer? Made me want him to succeed. I also wanted to know more about the main character, his past, and how he ended up choosing his line of work when he is portrayed as having so much intelligence and merit.

It's a really good movie. The lead is a complicated character, who is put in an impossible situation, and chooses to face the situation head on. Side characters are acceptable with Al Pacino probably being the most colorful and interesting in his few scenes. I'd say my favorite part of Knox Goes Away, besides Keaton, is a strong third act and satisfying ending, which so few films seem to have.

My biggest critique would be film pacing, which isn't bad, but would be a signifier of early directorial effort. I'd say the same about the camera work, which isn't Keaton, obviously the DP - but the director leads the DP, and the shots, while useful and fine, lack artistic finesse of a seasoned film maker. Lastly, most of the story elements and characters are cliche, and have a by the numbers scripting approach. I fully respected the straight continuity, and lack of script 'tricks'. It's not a movie that tries to hide anything, but also doesn't take too many chances.

I would say a must watch for fans of Keaton. Also a strong recommendation for fans of crime drama cinema with noir elements.

When a contract killer has a rapidly evolving form of dementia, he is offered an opportunity to redeem himself by saving the life of his estranged adult son.

His character (John Knox) has to learn to accept that his life is going to be shortened by a disease, but as his estranged son comes to him out of the blue he sees an opportunity to see right by his ex wife and son and redeem himself for the life he has led. It must be said that Keaton grabs attention in his first scenes. His acting is purely on point and he clearly has seasoned over many years.

It's quite slow paced but not to the extent that you get impatient. It's more like being given time to savour what's going on. There's no massively intrusive score to ruin the scenes either which is very welcome.

The plot has a great twist but not one that seems contrived or just there to shock. It's part of a long drawn out plan of Knox's and although it's not hard to work it out early on, it still impresses with it's simplistic but effective machinations.

There is genuine tension at times and yet you can't help think that Knox is playing this all with a dark sense of humour. It's still very poignant though that in order to redeem his past, he has to accept that he has no future. He does this gracefully and willingly and I forgave him his every sin.

A solid 7 from me for a great thriller/murder/mystery.

Only knowing Keaton from Spiderman: Homecoming, I don't he's so talented that he can direct too. He put out an incredible performance in the film. The movie deals well with both the suspense and the emotional aspects of the story, two emotions I rarely see come together, that too successfully. I misunderstood the film to an action from the trailer but I gave it a chance 10 minutes into the film and it didn't let me down.

And the best part of it all, the father role portrayed in the film, stirred so much emotion in me that I've added this to my favorite's list.

Everyone performed to their best including the son, detective, and Keaton.

The thing to know is that it's a downer of a movie, lifted by a great performance by Keaton. There are two key plot lines: a noir thriller, and a story about losing yourself to dementia.

The thriller, not necessarily hard to figure out, has non traditional twists that make it interesting. The personal story is more intriguing: Knox (Keaton) knows he's "going away" and is desperately trying to put things in order before his mind completely betrays him. There were times where i was reminded of Memento, but this film delves more deeply into the primary character's past.

Keaton is excellent, Marsden does well enough playing a conflicted son who has his own personal problems to contend with. Marcia Gay Harden is capable in a small role, and Pacino with very little screen time, pulls off his brand of sentimental bad guy.

Recommended.

Such a fantastic movie.

Nicely filmed, wonderfully acted, excellent script, really good story telling and brilliantly edited. I loved every moment.

It is quite a story that has drama and a whole lot of heart. And Michael Keaton directing this gem is, well, what can I say, just amazing.

Yeah, yeah, I am running out of adjectives here. But when you are moved by art one has to show their love !

There are some good laughs, good gore and soul. The last scene in the movie really got to me.

All I can say is you have to give it go. Don't believe the META Score or crap reviews. This one is completely worth the time.

Damn, Mr. Keaton, you are magnificent. I guess I had one more adjective in me !