THE PATRIOT (1998)
A Film Review
Copyright Dragan Antulov 2004
Steven Seagal's acting ability is matched by the subtlety in which his
action films are used to promote various political and cultural causes.
Seagal was rather consistent with that throughout his career, so those
who watch his films are aware what they can expect. And most of
those who watch two Seagal's films in a row usually don't think of
such characteristic as inexcusable flaws. This kind of tolerance would
serve very well those who want to watch THE PATRIOT, 1998 action
film directed by Dean Semler.
In this film Seagal plays Wesley McLaren, biological warfare expert
who used to work for CIA before being disgusted with government
policies and settling down in small Montana town of Ennis. He lives
there with daughter Holly (played by Camilla Belle) and best friend
Frank (played by L.Q. Jones) and earns his living as country doctor.
Peace of the community is being disturbed by the siege of compound
held by Floyd Chisolm (played by Gaillard Sartan), charismatic
leader of right-wing militia. Chisolm suddenly surrenders, but it
turns out that he had himself infected with deadly virus stolen from
secret government laboratory. In the ensuing chaos, Floyd's followers
liberate their leader and try to blackmail authorities with the
previously acquired antidote. The antidote turns out to be less
powerful than previously thought so everyone, including McLaren, is
forced to seek alternative solution. Holly, together with few more
people, is inexplicably immune to the virus. McLaren sets her free
from the hands of terrorists and begins race against time to find the
explanation that could save thousands of lives.
THE PATRIOT is the most popular Stevean Seagal's film among
those who don't like Steven Seagal. This is simply because it was the
first Seagal's film to be released straight to video, thus marking the
demotion of Seagal in Hollywood's star hierarchy. However, this
"straight-to-video" status actually works in film's favour. The
audience expects very little of this film and have very few
opportunities to be disappointed. The script by John Sussman and
John Kingswell is full of cliches, while the plot holes are big enough
for German Panzer divisions to drive through. Villains in this film
show incredible levels of stupidity, but this again works in film's
favour because many viewers could see THE PATRIOT as
unintentional self-parody. Even the action is toned down, allowing
the plot and characters to develop, together with plenty of
opportunity for Seagal to rant against US government, environmental
pollution and commercialised healthcare. Those "political correct"
views are expressed in combination with pathos and mild humour.
But the best impression is left by Stephen F. Windon's
cinematography that puts Montana locations to good use. For those
who don't expect much from films and those comfortable with
Seagal's previous works, THE PATRIOT could be hour and half well
spent.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
Review written on October 5th 2004
Dragan Antulov a.k.a. Drax
http://film.purger.com - Filmske recenzije na hrvatskom/Movie Reviews in
Croatian
http://www.ofcs.org - Online Film Critics Society
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