Cast
View All
Woody Harrelson
as Roy
Emily Mortimer
as Jessie
Kate Mara
as Abby
Eduardo Noriega
as Carlos
Thomas Kretschmann
as Myassa
Ben Kingsley
as Grinko
Etienne Chicot
as Frenchman
Mac McDonald
as Minister
Colin Stinton
as Embassy Official
Perlis Vaisieta
as Manager Hotel Pushkin
Mindaugas Papinigis
as Young Detective
Mindaugas Capas
as Military Officer
Sonata Visockaitė
as Female Train Attendant #1
Larisa Kalpokaitė
as Female Train Attendant #2
Andrius Paulavičius
as Lithuanian Backpacker
Crew
Director
- Brad Anderson
Producer
- Todd Dagres
- Michael Williams
- Ramūnas Škikas
- Julio Fernández
- Tania Reichert-Facilides
- Stephen Margolis
- Álvaro Augustin
Reviews
Wuchak
***Slow-build suspense on the Trans-Siberian Express***
A couple doing missionary work in China (Woody Harrelson & Emily Mortimer) takes the Trans-Siberian train from Beijing to Moscow, but their involvement with a dubious couple (Eduardo Noriega & Kate Mara) gets them entangled with a no-nonsense narcotics detective (Ben Kingsley).
A relative told me a story of his travels in Russia back when it was part of the USSR: He said the deeper he journeyed into the country the more it seemed like he was going back in time. At one point he happened to turn around in some kind of an installation and immediately got stopped by authorities and apprehended. He was taken to the proverbial dark room with a hanging light where he was interrogated for a couple hours. I asked what he thought was going to happen and he said he feared getting taken to a gulag in Siberia.
I bring this up because you’ll see these kinds of elements in "Transsiberian" (2008), a crime drama/suspense/thriller that has the tone & themes of “A Simple Plan” (1998), but mixed with a little “Runaway Train” (1985) and “Dr. Zhivago” (1965). While I still prefer “Runaway Train” I have no problem listing “Transsiberian” with these notable films, despite the fact that it’s an obscure flick that bombed at the box office (no doubt because it wasn’t released properly and didn’t reach enough theaters).
“Transsiberian” works so well because it has the confidence to take its time and establish the characters, which are nicely fleshed-out. Roy (Harrelson), for instance, is an affable Christian who seems oblivious to the evil in the world and assumes the best in everybody. His wife, Jessie (Mortimer), by contrast, has a dark history, but was obviously attracted to Roy’s innocence. She sees her former-self in Abby (Mara), which links them. Meanwhile Carlos (Noriega) is the worldly bad boy who’s an expert at wooing women.
But this is just the set-up, the movie takes a thrilling turn in the last act, but it’s superior to the similar Hollywood turn in “A Simple Plan,” which I found unconvincing and a little eye-rolling.
The film runs 1 hour and 51 minutes and was shot in Lithuania, Russian and China.
GRADE: A-
May 20, 2019
tmdb15435519
Another excellent Woody Harrelson performance. Otherwise, not really worth a watch.
Apr 24, 2021
Thematic Analysis
TransSiberian represents a fascinating example of Thriller/Crime/Mystery 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 Brad Anderson 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 2008, 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 TransSiberian took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $15.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 111 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 169 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1421 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2008, when this film is released:
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While TransSiberian shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Saving Zoë, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, TransSiberian offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Copycat and No Code of Conduct explore similar territory, TransSiberian stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: January 18, 2008
- Runtime: 1h 51m
- Budget: $15,000,000
- Revenue: $5,926,410
Where to Watch
