Not since his Oscar-winning role in Training Day has Denzel Washington delivered such an action-laden performance. He takes what probably should have been a mediocre film in “Safe House” and turns it into a thrilling display of cinema.
From the get go, the theme of the movie is “less talk, more walk.” Â Whether in a high-speed car chase or a free-for-all shoot-out, the viewer feels just as involved in the movie as the actors on screen.
What would be yet another action film, riddled with shoot-outs, car chases, and high voltage combat scenes, is enriched by the combined personalities of characters bound by situation and circumstance. “Safe House” is carried by these typical action vices, but maintains character development through brilliant performances from two different actors to create an exciting and thought-provoking film.
Ryan Renolds, plays the part of “housekeeper,” a rookie CIA operative, at an often-neglected safe house for captives in Cape Town, South Africa. As the first year on duty comes to a close, Reynolds’ character is aching for hands-on field work. Soon enough, his wish is granted as corrupt rogue CIA agent Tobin Frost, played by Washington, is detained at the location.
With Reynolds responsible for his “guest,” the two are forced to escape and stay alive.
The film hooks the viewer with sheer brute energy. There were some key moments in the film where things could have gone horribly wrong, however, the first-rate cast manages to keep everything intact with a above-average performance.
The pairing of Reynolds’ bewildered mannerisms and Washington’s been-there-done-that attitude creates a master-and-apprentice relationship that, amid the action, creates a tension that keeps the pace of the plot consistent. Viewers must debate who is protagonist and antagonist. Placing the two strong actors to lead these characters was an essential decision that struck success.
Another contrast that sustains the chaotic plot are the two locations, South Africa and Washington D.C. Cape Town creates a diverse sprawl, including cramped city streets allowing fast getaways, festive soccer arenas welcoming mass disaster, and outer slums ready to collapse like cardboard boxes from a light gust of wind. Getting lost in the crowd seems to be the objective for most of the film, fading away into the sounds and movement of the South African landscape we find ourselves looking for a way out of the chaos.
In D.C., everything has a method and everyone has a place. In a scene where Reynolds tries to convince his superiors that he can follow through on his mission, a senator pulls rank. The rules established in Washington provide a sharp contrast to the action that is taking place in South Africa.
The one thing this movie lacks is the benefit of a wider, more informed perspective. Rookie director Daniel Espinosa is unsuccessful in giving the viewer a deeper look into the storyline. Focused mainly on fast-paced action, Espinosa manages to make the movie overly predictable, showing a lack of skill by the young Swedish director.
Universal Pictures certainly took a gamble by hiring Espinosa as the director for this thriller – a gamble that has seemed to paid off so far. Espinosa, with the help of his cast, managed to turn the $85 million production into a safe bet.
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