A homicide detective teams up with a criminal profiler to catch a serial killer whose crimes are inspired by the children’s game, Hangman.
“Hangman” 2017 Movie Review: A Gritty Thriller with a Classic Game Twist
Introduction Directed by Johnny Martin, “Hangman” is a 2017 crime thriller that attempts to weave the classic children’s word game into a dark narrative involving a methodical serial killer. Starring Al Pacino, Karl Urban, and Brittany Snow, the film aims to deliver a gripping tale of murder and mystery but struggles with some genre clichés and underdeveloped plot elements.
Plot Overview Detective Ray Archer (Al Pacino) teams up with criminal profiler Will Ruiney (Karl Urban) to catch a notoriously elusive serial killer who uses the game “Hangman” as a macabre motif for his murders. Each crime scene brings a letter that, when pieced together, will reveal why the killer is challenging Archer and Ruiney. Alongside them is journalist Christi Davies (Brittany Snow), who covers the murders and soon finds herself deeply entangled in the case. As the body count rises, the trio must unravel the clues before the killer completes his deadly word game.
Cast and Performances Al Pacino brings his trademark intensity to the role of Ray Archer, though his performance sometimes feels restrained by the script’s limitations. Karl Urban as Will Ruiney provides a solid counterbalance, offering a more emotionally driven portrayal that complements Pacino’s veteran detective persona. Brittany Snow’s performance adds a necessary outside perspective to the detective duo, though her character’s depth is not fully explored.
Direction and Cinematography Johnny Martin directs with a conventional approach, employing a gritty aesthetic that suits the film’s grim subject matter. The cinematography is competent, capturing the bleak urban settings that backdrop the thriller, though it rarely elevates the suspense or adds a distinctive style to the film’s overall presentation.
Themes and Symbolism “Hangman” explores themes of justice, revenge, and the psychological impacts of crime on investigators and their communities. The hangman game symbolizes the killer’s control over his victims and the detectives, adding a psychological layer to the conventional chase. However, these themes are somewhat superficially handled, leaving some potential psychological insights unexplored.
Conclusion While “Hangman” sets up an intriguing premise with its game-based killings and seasoned cast, the execution falls into familiar patterns seen in many police procedurals. Despite strong performances, the film struggles with pacing and a predictable narrative that doesn’t fully capitalize on its initial setup.
Final Thoughts Fans of crime thrillers may find “Hangman” to be a satisfactory watch due to its engaging premise and the star power of Al Pacino and Karl Urban. However, those seeking a deeper, more original take on the serial killer genre might find it lacks the necessary innovation or suspense to stand out.
