Netflix Pick – Inside Man
This week’s Netflix Pick is 2006’s amazing heist/thriller Inside Man. Visionary director and blatant racist Spike Lee puts his prejudices aside to deliver a truly well balanced story that is more and more clever at every twist. Every aspect of the filmmaking is perfectly executed and it’s a movie that you will absolutely want to keep revisiting.
Tired of hearing your friends say they’ve watched everything on Netflix? Are you finding yourself saying that as well? Maybe the argument of people too cheap to shell out the 10 dollars are saying ‘there used to be good stuff, but it’s all crap now.’ Maybe you find yourself spending more time scrolling than watching. Well I plan to put those idiotic statements and bad behavior to rest. On a week to week basis I will give a solid recommendation or two on what you can sign on, turn on, and enjoy.
Inside Man – Washington and Ejiofor
Dalton Russell (Clive Owen) is a direct to the point, no nonsense thief. He claims to have planned the perfect bank robbery and proves just that through the course of the film. When the robbery gets underway hostages are taken at a large bank in the heart of Manhattan. Clever tactics and trickery is used to keep the hostages confused. The world watches from outside as the robbers were not subtle in what was going on. Detective Keith Frazier (Denzel Washington) is assigned to the case and works along with his partner, Det. Bill Mitchell (Chiwetel Ejiofor), and Captain John Darius (Willem Dafoe).
It seems like a standard case of cobs and robbers, and at that it excels, but the story weaves much deeper. Bank owner Arthur Case (Christopher Plummer) may be hiding something and the fixer, Madeleine White (Jodie Foster), that is brought in has connections that allow her to manipulate the circumstances for the very rich as well as the police.
The greatest thing about Russell Gewirtz’s script is that there is no good side and bad side. Yes the police are just. Stealing is wrong, but is it in this case? The owner of the bank could be seen as a victim but there is more than meets the eye. Even Madeleine White’s fast talking manipulations teeter in the gray area between good and evil. The script is rock solid. Every aspect of the story, plan, plot, and resolution is plainly shown and explained. The tight plot with no holes doesn’t lean on exposition or narration. The audience is never treated like a stupid child despite the complexity of the plot and you never have to do more than sit back and enjoy the thrilling ride.
The talent surrounding Inside Man is astounding. Spike Lee is a household name for movie fans and he always goes big. He has been directing phenomenal films since the mid 1980’s. His extensive resume includes titles such as Do the Right Thing, Malcolm X, The 25th Hour, and the Oldboy remake. His style of shooting really showcases the talented actors who work for him as well as making the locations they are in just a big a part of the story as the actor’s themselves. It’s astonishing how a movie that takes place almost entirely indoors has such an authentic New York City feel. The set’s could feel claustrophobic and the city the movie is shot in almost forgotten but that never comes across. The movie being set in New York City isn’t really important to the plot, yet it completely is. This is not a contradiction but a compliment to the filmmaker.
Inside Man – Washington and Foster
Denzel Washington is a frequent collaborator with Lee. Malcolm X is still one of his best performances and the police Detective Keith Frazier is another iconic part. Frazier isn’t based on a real man so the connection to real life doesn’t weigh as heavy but he is a character with his own flaws, hopes, dreams, and baggage. He isn’t just generic cop or a catalyst to be a foil to the criminals. Chiwetel Ejiofor is the sidekick to Washington. Ejiofor’s character doesn’t have as much depth but the camaraderie between the two feels long term and authentic. Jodie Foster, who doesn’t seem to be around much lately, reminds us how talented she really is. Similar to Clive Owen’s character she commands the screen when she’s on it. She steals every scene she’s in and a spin off movie could be made showing her character’s origin that would just as fascinating. She’s a character that is peppered throughout the film but crucial to the plot and leaves the audience wanting more.
Inside Man – Clive Owen
This is the second best Clive Owen performance, his #1 being Children of Men. Owen commands the screen every time he’s on it. The no nonsense attitude of his character is intriguing and instantly likable. The mastermind behind the plot who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty is also a great tip. The cast of supporting actors who work with him are also fantastic. While these supporting players don’t get top billing in their projects they go a long way to flesh out the story. Their names will not be listed individually here to avoid spoilers when you catch up on this masterpiece from 2006.
Part of the authentic New York City feel Lee pulls off is due to the soundtrack. The score is comprised of music, vocals, and instrumentals from various countries with various styles. The melting pot that is New York City, and the cast of this movie, really speak to the location. The opening song is so catchy it’s been cycling in my head during this entire write up.
While Inside Man did get the big theatrical treatment ten years ago it’s absolutely time to revisit this, or finally catch up if you haven’t seen it yet. The movie is new on Netflix making it the perfect time, and perfect candidate, for the So Wizard Netflix Pick of the week.
