As a longtime Cronenberg fan, but also someone deeply skeptical of A History Of Violence and it’s glowing critical reception, I went into Eastern Promises with mixed expectations. The trailer had been underwhelming, looking like another gritty Lahndan crime drama with arty pretensions. I should have had more faith- this is terrific, completely ludicrous but utterly enthralling, taking the pseudo-subversive preoccupations of it’s predecessor and running with them. The inherent clichés of the crime thriller are still present and correct (there’s a third act twist which you can see coming a mile off), but this time the whole thing feels better integrated, less calculated and infinitely more human.
And the cast is just phenomenal, particularly Viggo Mortensen in what could be his first genuinely convincing acting performance, as a steely-eyed psycho with a heart of gold. It also features what could be a first for mainstream cinema, as Viggo beats the hell out of two evil thugs clad only in a large number of intricate tattoos. Sure, we’ve all seen it before, but never quite so active.
by Tom Huddleston | Source: Focus Features 35mm print
30 Aug 2007 12:51 PM | Submit Comment
