“The Brave One” (Warner Brothers)
Jodie Gets Her Gun
Jodie Foster comes out with her gun blazing in the new film “The Brave One.” As always Miss Foster is fascinating to watch on screen but one has to wonder why she would pick such a violent, controversial film in which to take part. “The Brave One” is just as much a vigilante justice movie as Charles Bronson’s “Death Wish” or more recently Kevin Bacon’s “Death Sentence.” It is dressed up with strong acting and solid photography but it is still a pure and simple violence vehicle for the star.
Foster plays Erika Cain, a radio commentator in New York. She is happy with her work, her fianc’ David (Naveen Andrews), and her dog. One night she and her David are taking a walk in the park with the dog when they are brutally assaulted by a group of men. David is killed and the dog is stolen. Erika winds up in the hospital.
After her release she is not the same person she was before the attack. She buys a gun, illegally, for her protection but then uses it when she sees other acts of violence perpetrated on innocent people. After one of these “violent acts” she returns to the scene and meets a police detective named Mercer (Terrence Howard). They become friends.
Later Mercer begins to have suspicions about Erika and her involvement in the vigilante violence that is happening in the city. This cat and mouse aspect of the story is one of the most fascinating elements of the plot.
Foster is amazing as Erika. You get to see this character’s strengths and weaknesses. You also see the conflicts raging inside her. Erika can’t really help herself after she sets off on this life of crime but inside she is screaming for someone to help her. Foster captures this all.
Opposite her Howard is pure compassion. His eyes reflect his concerns and his manner is tough but soft. It is a complex image to present but somehow Howard pulls it off. He is an actor who gets better and better with each and every role.
The supporting cast is strong. Both Andrews and Mary Steenburgen, as Erika’s boss, have their moments. Nicky Katt adds welcome comedy relief as Howard’s partner.
The film is rated R for violence, profanity and brief nudity.
It is a shame such strong performances have to be wasted on such a weak-themed movie. There is a twist at the end of the film that gives it a nice bump on the entertainment meter, but overall it is dj vu one more time. Bronson, Bacon and now Foster are all playing the same “gunfighter of the old west” role and it is getting old. Vigilante justice appeals to the inner core of audiences but it fails to recognize the requirements of the law.
Foster is a great actress. Let’s hope she learns to pick better roles to showcase that talent.
I scored “The Brave One” a scary 6 out of 10.
