Redbelt (Sony Pictures Classics)
Has As Many Twists and Turns As a Jiu-Jitsu Master
David Mamet is a master of words and he uses them in his films to create characters and situations that are problems to be solved. Redbelt has the full Mamet flavor but not all the questions of plot and character are solved and issues are left pending for the viewer to answer in the future.
Mike Terry (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is a trainer at a Jiu-Jitsu School. He is a skilled fighter but prefers to train rather than compete. His students are devoted to him but the school is not bringing in much money. This constantly worries Terrys wife Sondra (Alice Braga).
One night a woman (Emily Mortimer) rushes into the studio. She is obviously distraught and an incident ensues. This occurrence sets up a chain of events that ends in death and deceit. As the film progresses the viewer is caught up in a web of lies and schemes.
Ejiofor is perfect as the gentle but strong instructor. He is the moral center of the film and the character around which all action plays. Ejiofor provides the physicals strength as well as the moral tone. This actor grows more and more secure in his craft with each role he undertakes.
Alice Braga also makes an impression as the wife in the film. Sondra is loving and supportive of her husband but she still has an underlying need for success and fortune. Braga fills each of those facets of the character.
Tim Allen is on screen for a short time as an action hero actor. It is an unlikely role for Allen but he does it competently. Rodrigo Santoro and Joe Mantegna are also seen briefly but effectively in the film.
The outstanding performance in the movie is by Mortimer. She plays a nervous, edgy attorney who stumbles into Mikes life and stays. You can feel the itchiness in her skin and each tic and tremble is perfect for the role. It takes a while to understand the part but Mortimer brings all of the different aspects of the role to the forefront before the movie ends.
The movie is rated R for profanity and violence.
Redbelt seems like an incomplete movie because so many questions are left unanswered. It is not Mamets style to tie up all the loose ends. You have to work at earning the enjoyment of his stories.
Still in Redbelt the mysteries of the story and the earnestness of the acting make for a good movie experience. It isnt your typical summer style of moviemaking but it is an intriguing one.
I scored Redbelt a martial arts 6 out of 10.
