Following a year full of action thriller films, “Dead Man’s Wire” stands out as an exciting film based on a real-world hostage situation. Gus Van Sant’s stunning production was showcased through intriguing cinematography, naturally paced tension and a critique of capitalist control. Bill Skarsgård’s spectacular performance ties these aspects together as the revenge-seeking, but kind-hearted, Tony Kiritsis.
The film takes place in 1977 and follows the hostage crisis involving Tony and his mortgage broker, Richard Hall (Dacre Montgomery). Believing Richard has swindled him, Tony takes him hostage. He rigs a shotgun to Richard’s neck in such a way that any sudden movement would trigger the gun. The kidnapping is highly publicized, and the three-day standoff captivates both the public and the media. Tony demands compensation for his financial losses, immunity from prosecution and an apology from the bank. His confidence and demanding personality inspire awe among most of the public, elevating him to the status of a hero in a world of scheming capitalists. The film includes reenactments of reactions from the public, local news reporters, radio stations and the media, as well as the original footage of the 1977 crisis.
One element that stood out was the film’s use of coloring and framing. Darker, more autumnal tones highlight the film’s historical nature, conveying a palpable atmosphere of the 1970s. Meanwhile, the framing is highly focused, with close-ups of the actors, especially during high-tension scenes. This allows each actor to showcase a range of emotions and fully immerse themselves in their characters and the scenes. Tony is a highly complex character, giving the film a dynamic, nuanced picture of the situation. Along these lines, the movie is highly intense and focuses on all aspects of the people involved in the three-day crisis. The use of rapid scene transitions and silence, among other similar technical elements, heightens the stress of the situation.
Nowadays, it is difficult to find a well-paced thriller with enough tension to make the plot believable. By focusing strictly on the three days of the crisis and providing screen time for moments of silence and lulls in action, Van Sant creates a believable, gripping atmosphere. “Dead Man’s Wire” proves that an action thriller does not need to offer back-to-back scenes of constant action and violence to prove its point or create a tense atmosphere. Its gritty tone and the imminent danger of the situation are easily recognized as a coherent whole. Short segments of Richard’s nightmares of Tony covered in blood, saying that he had kept his promise of violence because his demands had not been fulfilled, are added in a way that makes it impossible to tell whether they actually happened until the scene is over. Though there is no bloodshed in the film, the sequences add heightened tension and an implied sense of violence.
Tony Kiritsis tried to take a stand against what he believed were unfair mortgage practices targeting innocent people in 1977, and Van Sant does not shy away from including these themes in the film. The search and longing for power and autonomy are central themes in many movies, but they are explored in a particularly unique way in “Dead Man’s Wire.” Van Sant portrays Tony as understanding and kind, not just a vengeful, wronged citizen. Special attention is given to the way he treats Richard. He tries not to hurt him too much, apologizing frequently and allowing him to talk to his wife and father. Van Sant makes it abundantly clear that Tony wants nothing more than justice for his situation. He is not portrayed as an evil man, and the people love him, though corporations and larger media groups see him as an insane annoyance. When the bank slowly goes out of business, Tony and the less powerful are the true victors.
“Dead Man’s Wire” is a fantastic film that uniquely portrays the struggle of power and morality. It keeps many of the conventions of a true crime thriller while offering strong performances and comments on sensationalism in the media through its deliberate tension. I found it to be highly captivating and one of the best movies of this past year.
