Cast
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Angelina Jolie
as Illeana Scott
Ethan Hawke
as James Costa
Kiefer Sutherland
as Christopher Hart
Gena Rowlands
as Mrs. Rebecca Asher
Olivier Martinez
as Paquette
Tchéky Karyo
as Leclair
Jean-Hugues Anglade
as Duval
Paul Dano
as Young Asher
Justin Chatwin
as Matt Soulsby
André Lacoste
as Cashier
Marie-Josée Croze
as Medical Examiner
Christian Tessier
as Interrogation Officer
Billy Two Rivers
as Car Salesman
Richard Lemire
as Québec City Cop
Julien Poulin
as Québec City Inspector
Crew
Director
- D.J. Caruso
Producer
- Mark Canton
- Bernie Goldmann
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Angelina Jolie does her best here and Ethan Hawke injects just a touch of menace but otherwise it's a rather far-fetched crime thriller set in Montreal. "Martin Asher" leaves his home and by systematically killing men as he ages - and assuming their identities - has left quite a trail of corpses over almost twenty years before FBI profiler Jolie is drafted in to try and help them get to the bottom of it all. The acting is ok, by and large, but a few "guest appearances" from Kiefer Sutherland, Gena Rowlands and probably the briefest of roles in his career for Justin Chatwin, can't really develop the rather dreary writing nor give it much sparkle as we lumber towards an ending that is just plain daft. In theory, the story is complex and has enough about it to keep us guessing, but the overall execution is flat and proves pretty uninteresting after about ten minutes. Pity - had potential.
Sep 4, 2023
Thematic Analysis
Taking Lives represents a fascinating example of Thriller cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director D.J. Caruso brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2004, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Taking Lives took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $45.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 103 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The costume department created over 256 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2004, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Taking Lives shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Candyman, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Taking Lives subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Red Dragon and The Hitcher explore similar territory, Taking Lives stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 19, 2004
- Runtime: 1h 43m
- Budget: $45,000,000
- Revenue: $65,470,529
