Cast
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Liam Neeson
as Michael MacCauley
Patrick Wilson
as Alex Murphy
Sam Neill
as Captain Hawthorne
Jonathan Banks
as Walt
Vera Farmiga
as Joanna
Elizabeth McGovern
as Karen MacCauley
Killian Scott
as Dylan
Shazad Latif
as Vince
Andy Nyman
as Tony
Colin McFarlane
as Conductor Sam
Roland Møller
as Jackson
Florence Pugh
as Gwen
Clara Lago
as Eva
Dean-Charles Chapman
as Danny MacCauley
Ella-Rae Smith
as Sofia
Crew
Director
- Jaume Collet-Serra
Writer
- Byron Willinger
- Philip de Blasi
- Ryan Engle
Producer
- Alex Heineman
- Andrew Rona
Reviews
cydeltutoy
_It's as dull as my usual ride in a usual train going home._
Feb 1, 2018
Gimly
Neeson throwing himself about the train-setting is engaging enough to hold your attention for about an hour. Unfortunately, _The Commuter_ is an hour and fortyfive minutes long.
_Final rating:★★½ - Had a lot that appealed to me, didn’t quite work as a whole._
Jun 4, 2018
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Thriller/Mystery film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Commuter distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Jaume Collet-Serra 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 2018, 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 The Commuter took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $30.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 104 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 159 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 31 unique compositions.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Commuter shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Negotiator, which focuses more on action than character development, The Commuter offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like End Game and Shooter explore similar territory, The Commuter stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 11, 2018
- Runtime: 1h 44m
- Budget: $30,000,000
- Revenue: $119,942,387
Where to Watch
