Movie Review: The Contract (2006)
Director: Bruce Beresford
Starring: John Cusack, Morgan Freeman, Alice Krige
Plot Summary
The Contract, directed by Bruce Beresford, is a thriller that brings together John Cusack and Morgan Freeman in a tale of survival, moral dilemmas, and suspense. The story follows Ray Keene (John Cusack), a widowed ex-cop, who embarks on a camping trip with his troubled teenage son, Chris (Jamie Anderson), in an attempt to rebuild their strained relationship. However, their trip takes a dramatic turn when they encounter Frank Carden (Morgan Freeman), a professional assassin who has been injured and captured by the police after a failed mission.
When a series of unfortunate events lead to Carden escaping into the wilderness, Ray and Chris find themselves in a deadly game of cat and mouse, forced to navigate their way through treacherous terrain while trying to keep Carden in custody. As they are pursued by Carden’s ruthless associates, led by the cold-blooded Miles (Corey Johnson), the stakes become higher and the lines between right and wrong blur.
Performances
John Cusack delivers a solid performance as Ray Keene, a man struggling with his own personal demons while trying to do the right thing. Cusack’s portrayal of a father desperate to protect his son and maintain his integrity adds depth to the character, making the audience root for him despite the increasingly dire circumstances.
Morgan Freeman, as always, brings a commanding presence to his role. As Frank Carden, Freeman expertly balances the character’s menace with a surprising layer of complexity. His interactions with Cusack’s character create a compelling dynamic that drives much of the film’s tension. Freeman’s ability to evoke both sympathy and fear makes Carden a memorable antagonist.
Direction and Cinematography
Bruce Beresford’s direction ensures that The Contract maintains a steady pace, with moments of intense action interspersed with quieter, character-driven scenes. The lush, forested setting of the Pacific Northwest is captured beautifully by cinematographer Dante Spinotti, whose work enhances the film’s sense of isolation and danger. The natural landscape becomes a character in itself, amplifying the sense of peril faced by Ray and Chris.
Themes and Execution
The Contract delves into themes of morality, redemption, and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones. The film raises questions about justice and the nature of good versus evil, particularly through the evolving relationship between Ray and Carden. While the plot is somewhat formulaic and predictable at times, the strong performances by Cusack and Freeman elevate the material.
However, the film does suffer from a few clichés typical of the genre, and some of the supporting characters, including the antagonists, lack depth. The script, penned by Stephen Katz and John Darrouzet, occasionally relies on contrived situations to advance the plot, which can detract from the overall tension.
Conclusion
The Contract is a serviceable thriller that benefits greatly from its lead actors’ performances. While it may not break new ground in the genre, it offers a compelling narrative and enough suspense to keep viewers engaged. John Cusack and Morgan Freeman’s on-screen chemistry and the film’s picturesque setting are its standout features, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of character-driven thrillers.
Overall, The Contract is a solid entry in the thriller genre, worth seeing for the performances and the scenic backdrop, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of a classic.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
