The Contract (2006) Movie Review: A Tense Thriller with Missed Opportunities
Overview
Directed by Bruce Beresford, “The Contract” (2006) is a thriller that stars John Cusack and Morgan Freeman. The film weaves a tale of survival, morality, and tension in the wilderness, centering on an ordinary man and a professional hitman. Despite the star power and a promising premise, “The Contract” falls short in fully capitalizing on its potential, resulting in a film that is engaging but ultimately forgettable.
Plot Summary
John Cusack plays Ray Keene, a high school gym teacher and former cop who is struggling to connect with his teenage son, Chris (Jamie Anderson), following the death of his wife. In an attempt to bond, Ray takes Chris on a hiking trip in the remote woods.
Their trip takes a dramatic turn when they encounter Frank Carden (Morgan Freeman), a notorious contract killer who has been apprehended by federal agents. After a car crash leaves Carden’s captors dead, Ray and Chris find themselves in possession of the injured and handcuffed assassin.
Determined to do the right thing, Ray decides to take Carden to the authorities, but they are pursued by Carden’s ruthless associates led by Miles (Jonathan Hyde). As the group navigates the treacherous wilderness, they must contend with natural dangers, moral dilemmas, and the relentless pursuit of Carden’s men.
Performance and Direction
John Cusack delivers a solid performance as Ray Keene, portraying a man caught between his moral compass and the desperate circumstances he finds himself in. Cusack’s portrayal of Ray’s vulnerability and determination adds depth to the character, making him relatable and sympathetic.
Morgan Freeman, as always, brings gravitas to his role as Frank Carden. Freeman’s calm, authoritative presence provides a stark contrast to Cusack’s more frantic and emotional performance. However, the script does not fully exploit Freeman’s talents, often relegating him to delivering clichéd lines and standard villainous tropes.
Jamie Anderson’s performance as Chris is adequate, though his character’s development is somewhat superficial. The father-son dynamic, which is central to the emotional core of the film, feels underdeveloped and lacks the depth needed to make their relationship truly compelling.
Bruce Beresford’s direction is competent but lacks the tension and urgency that the premise demands. The pacing is uneven, with some scenes dragging while others rush through critical moments. Beresford’s handling of the action sequences is effective but uninspired, missing the opportunity to elevate the film’s suspense and intensity.
Visuals and Cinematography
The cinematography by Dante Spinotti captures the beauty and danger of the wilderness setting. The natural landscapes are shot with an eye for detail, enhancing the film’s atmosphere and providing a visually engaging backdrop for the story. The use of natural lighting and wide shots effectively convey the isolation and vulnerability of the characters.
However, the visual appeal of the film is undermined by its lackluster action scenes and predictable set pieces. The potential for creating a truly immersive and suspenseful experience is not fully realized, leaving the film visually appealing but emotionally flat.
Themes and Relevance
“The Contract” explores themes of morality, survival, and the complexities of father-son relationships. The film delves into the moral dilemmas faced by Ray as he tries to protect his son while upholding his sense of justice. The narrative questions the lengths to which one should go to do the right thing, even when the stakes are high.
The relationship between Ray and Chris is meant to be a focal point of the story, highlighting the challenges of bonding and understanding in the face of grief and adversity. However, the film’s exploration of these themes is surface-level, lacking the emotional depth and nuance needed to make a lasting impact.
Streaming and Availability
For viewers in the United States, “The Contract” is available for streaming on various platforms. You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video and other streaming services. The film is also available for rent or purchase on digital platforms such as Apple iTunes, Google Play Movies, Vudu, and YouTube Movies.
Conclusion
“The Contract” is a thriller that benefits from the strong performances of John Cusack and Morgan Freeman but is ultimately hindered by a formulaic script and uneven direction. The film offers moments of tension and drama but fails to fully capitalize on its promising premise and talented cast.
While it provides a watchable experience for fans of survival thrillers and action dramas, “The Contract” does not stand out in a crowded genre. It remains an entertaining but ultimately forgettable film, missing the opportunity to deliver a truly compelling and memorable story.
