It was mooted as one of Hollywood script’s circa 2009. In fact, it landed at the top of the BlackList pile that year. Names like Leonardo DiCaprio, Bryan Singer, Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale were thrown around in several different versions, but for whatever reason the film never quite came together. However, one actor stayed the course. Hugh Jackman was set to play the lead in 2010 and, cut to a few years later, the actor was still game and ready to play the role in the newest iteration.
Directed by celebrated “Incendies” director Denis Villeneuve, “Prisoners” features an excellent cast that includes Jake Gyllenhaal, Maria Bello, Terrance Howard, Viola Davis, Melissa Leo and Paul Dano.
Here’s the official synopsis:
Keller Dover is facing every parent’s worst nightmare. His 6-year-old daughter and her young friend are missing, and as minutes turn to hours, panic sets in. The only lead is a dilapidated RV that had been parked on their street. Heading the investigation, Detective Loki arrests its driver, but a lack of evidence forces the only suspect’s release. Knowing his child’s life is at stake, the frantic Dover decides he has no choice but to take matters into his own hands. The desperate father will do whatever it takes to find the girls, but in doing so, may lose himself, begging the question: When do you cross the line between seeking justice and becoming a vigilante?
Written by Aaron Guzikowski, and having read the script years ago, this “Prisoners” trailer looks exactly as it should be: intense, gritty and raw. The film is due in theaters September 20th, which we assume means a TIFF bow earlier in the month.
"Written by Aaron Guzikowski, and having read the script years ago, this "Prisoners" trailer looks exactly as it should be"
I know I said I wouldn't be back but … are you really saying that the TRAILER read the script and was written by Aaaron Guzikowska? You should rewrite the sentence so that – I don't know – the dependent clause relates to the sentence's subject. That's it: I am done.
The title refers to how the characters are all placed inside a prison whether it be literal or figurative after the kidnapping. In reality its more like Mystic River meets In the Bedroom very hit an miss script and the film looks much the same. Jackman looking to cement his Oscar nom with more critical material and Gyllenhaal trying to re-establish himself among the elite seeing his career stall in the last couple of years.
Good trailer.
I see Jake Gyllenhaal haven't given up on acting. Good for him?
How exciting! Denis Villeneuve is one of Canada's best talents. Hope he delivers with this strong cast! (His other Gyllenhaal film, An Enemy, doesn't really work, so I'm rooting for a return to form…)