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January 12, 2009
The Matador (2005)
Should I see it?
Nope.


Short Review: The title is appropriate. Given the unsatisfying ending you may refer to this film using a term involving a bull.

The Matador

Pierce Bronson is quite good in this film, we’re talking “Best Supporting Actor nomination” good. Not “Best Supporting Actor winner” good, but worth a nod for a nomination. In a conspicuous move out of type, he plays Julian Noble a professional assassin who finds himself desperate to escape the guilt and loneliness of his profession. The character is a pathetic mess and Bronson gives the role a refreshing vibrancy that commands attention. He is a pitiful sap who is at once burdened by his nihilistic life but also manages enough will to kills for a living.

Julian is at the end of his game. He is screwing up his assassination jobs and suffers from panic attacks. After a life of killing he wants to connect with others but finds that he is unable. While in Mexico City, Julian meets Danny, a meek businessman (Greg Kinnear). The two begin a strained friendship based on Danny’s excitement over Julian’s day job and Julian’s need to be accepted. The scenes between these two are extremely well written and directed. The Mexico City scenes are some of the more interesting and well executed ones I have seen in a while. They make the film.

The problem is that the rest of the film goes flatter than Paris Hilton’s brainwaves. The obvious trajectory occurs. The two men split and Danny goes back to his normal life. Predictably, Julian shows up on Danny’s doorstep and spoils Danny’s day. The first half of the film is light, genuinely funny and a joy to watch. The second half slows down and loses any sense originality. It is as if Writer/Director Richard Shepard just ran out of steam. He has great moments in the first act but still needed to end the movie. Sharp opener, the rest is filler.

This is a character piece without an external, central villain pressing down on the plot. This being the case, the film becomes cumbersome. By the time the utterly incomplete ending arrives the film is almost at a complete stand still. This doesn’t matter however since the jerky ending of the piece will have you wondering why you sat through the film in the first place.

In retrospect the abrupt ending, and I mean the film just slams to a stop, isn’t a terrible surprise. There isn’t a central conflict of any note. The main conflict between Julian and Danny is disposed of in the long before the ending. From the point the main conflict is jettisoned the film goes from brilliant to thoughtless.

Is it worth the rental? The first half is worth watching. The second half is a faded remnant. If you’re intent on watching a movie and nothing great is available, this will do in a pinch.


Related Reviews:
Other Pierce Bronson films
Evelyn (2002)
After The Sunset (2004)

Other Critic's Reviews:
Rolling Stone
Film Critics United


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posted by Michelle Obama's Left Nut at 9:00 AM




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