Monday 2 October 2017

American Made (2017)

Doug Liman and Tom Cruise have done a good job with a few things, a critique of 80s era CIA incursions into Latin America, a compelling and creative (if still career boosting) performance by Cruise who has fewer of such things these days, and a tightly put together film which plays to Limon's strengths. What they didn't do was make a compelling or interesting film. Despite all the good intentions American Made is mostly boring.

American Made does feel like it is tailored for the artists making it. At this point in his career Tom Cruise needs a good starring vehicle which is more than just a light action film. American Made gives him a meaty role that he is able to pull off while still feeling very Tom Cruisey. Limon also thrives on these sorts of politically charged international espionage tales. His lush yet kinetic take is suited well to such a story. He gets to make a smart, shiny action film with a bit of an edge.

But the whole time American Made fails to get the blood pumping. It is hard to work up any excitement for the film which despite all its qualities remains rather anemic. Perhaps the film just feels too Tom Cruisy and Doug Limony, that we've seen it all before.

Limon is pretty honest about the liberties he has taken with the story. As with most true to life tales, things had to be changed to make them more cinematic, the lead character had to be embellished to fit the lead actor more. Events were conflated. Yes, the basics are true. The US has engaged in drug running and secret incursions into Latin America for political reasons. But to make this film work, and to make a Tom Cruise film, Limon had to invent a lot for his final cut.

And yet, the cut still feels sterile, still feels less than consuming. Probably best saved for a night when there's just nothing better available on Netflix.

American Made
Starring: Tom Cruise, Sarah Wright, Domhnall Gleeson
Director: Doug Limon
Writer: Gary Spinelli

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