Source Code (2011) -Duncan Jones
The IMDB synopsis of this film states it is an 'action thriller'. Ignore that. While there are a few action sequences and the thriller element is heavily present, the main reason to see this film is it's heart-wrenching drama.
The film revolves an army captain who wakes in another body who has to stop a bomb exploding on a train. In order to do this, he must relive the same 8 minutes.
While this sounds like the high concept thriller that Hollywood loves (especially with trains- The Taking of Pelham 123, Unstoppable), what the description above fails to take into account is the very human side of this film, and that is where it's strength lies.
Jake Gyllenhaal proves once again that he is a lot more than a pretty face, given a stunning performance as Colter Stevens, a man forced into a situation beyond his control. While the actually bomb plot is slightly predictable, it is Stevens' plight that drives this movie and his fight against the mysterious organisation pulling his strings. He's not an action hero, he's a really human being who wants the world to be a better, more hopeful place. His reaction to this strange, yet believable, concept is completely human, and so we truly feel for him.
This film is again a testament to the 'style-over-substance' debate. While it is slick and well made, it is it's story that drives this film, a rareity in a film of this genre, and it is all the better for it. The focus is on the tragic, yet at the same time, hopeful narrative and it's very real characters.
My kudos for this film then, goes to the writer Ben Ripley. He effortlessly combines the sci-fi thiller with real drama, tragedy, and yet ultimately, hope. It shouldn't be long before we hear more of him in Hollwood and hopefully he gets the credit he deserves.
A slick, smart sci-fi thriller with real human heart that keeps you guessing- and hoping- until the very end...
Rating: 9 out of 10
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