This review features the first film that I watched during the 2012 Seattle International Film Festival and it turned out to be a great way to set the tone for what was still to come. Directed by Pen-Ek Ratanaruang and billed as a crime noir, "Headshot" tells the story of a man who literally has his world turned upside down.
Nopporn Chaiyanam stars as Tul, who is a cop that is lead down a path of deceit and corruption which leads to him being framed and sent to prison and eventually takes a job as a hit man.
We see his story unfold through various flashbacks where we eventually learn how his downward spiral leads to some unexpected twists and turns. A head injury that inverts his vision forces Tul to learn how to see the world in a whole new way and changes his life forever.
Every step of the way, there are surprises and reveals which manage to keep an otherwise dry story interesting. There were a few moments during the movie where I wished things would get moving along as, overall the pacing was very deliberate although each scene helped to build the overall story and there was just enough action and even a few moments of comedy that all kept you drawn in.
Without a strong performance by the lead actor, the movie would have fallen apart pretty quickly and the supporting cast, especially the two female characters, are also pivotal in making the movie a success. You have to care for Tul for his story to be effective and, even though he doesn't always make the best decisions, you always want to believe he is doing the right thing.
For those expecting a movie more of a Hollywood action movie, "Headshot" is likely to disappoint, but if you go in looking for an intensely quiet thriller that features solid acting and a dramatic story that never loses its audience, then you should definitely give it a chance.
Check out my other 2012 SIFF reviews HERE!
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