Review of Way of the Gun, The

Introduction

If you`ve seen Way of The Gun, then it`s likely you`ll have a strong opinion on it, as it`s very quickly turned into one of those films that divides the audience. Accolades heaped upon it range from "masterpiece" to "over-plotted trash", but even the bad reviews usually grudgingly agree that it`s entertaining.

The film appeared in UK cinemas towards the end of 2000, not long before the DVD was released in region 1. We`ve had to wait a bit longer for the DVD over here as this is one of Momentum`s first titles to get a 2 month rental window. The rental version was released in June 2001, and this retail version is due for release in September 2001.

The film, written and directed by Christopher McQuarrie, award-winning writer of "The Usual Suspects", follows two small-time criminals by the names of Parker and Longbaugh. Movie trivia buffs among you will know that these were the names of Butch Cassidy (Robert Leroy Parker) and The Sundance Kid (Harry Longbaugh). The similarities don`t quite end there as some of their actions are quite similar too.

Whilst "making a deposit" at a very different kind of bank, Parker and Lonbaugh overhear a conversation which gives them a plan to get rich quick. We get to watch every twist and turn as they try their best to execute that plan and desperately try to stay in control of all that is happening.

Video

An excellent 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer which displays very few flaws along the way. Colours are strong and vibrant, with lots of red, orange and yellow on offer, and the detail level is very high indeed. The blacks of the night scenes are handled well too. There are one or two flecks and specks on the print, but you`ll probably be so caught up in the action that you won`t notice them.

There`s some good direction from first-timer McQuarrie too, with lots of gun battles that are well-handled, and a very nice car-chase sequence that makes a pleasant change from the usual Steve McQueen rip-offs that we have to put up with.

Audio

An excellent DD5.1 soundtrack, which really flexes its muscles when it comes to the shootouts. Get your friends round, sit them in the middle of your soundstage and dare them not to be impressed by the bullets whizzing around their head. This is reference quality gunfire and no mistake.

With all that noise going on, it`s nice to know that nothing else suffers as a result. Dialogue is always clear and well placed, and never drowned out. The excellent Joe Kraemer score also adds lots to this movie, as it fits in with the on-screen action so well. You can also listen to it as an isolated score, with commentary during the quieter moments from composer Joe Kraemer.

Features

A good selection of extras, but first a ticking off for Momentum, as we lose the storyboard and script of a deleted scene, production notes and TV spots found on the region 1 version.

However, we do get the two commentary tracks. The first of these features writer and director Christopher McQuarrie, and composer Joe Kraemer, and is an excellent commentary track, giving you plenty of information about the on-screen action, as well as talking about off-screen matters, production problems, deleted scenes and more. If you enjoyed watching the film, you`ll enjoy listening to this commentary track a lot.

The second commentary track features an isolated score, with Joe Kraemer popping up with his comments during the quieter moments. He has plenty more to say and it means that you don`t get huge gaps in the film when the score goes quiet.

We also have the theatrical trailer, six brief cast interviews, and the usual cast and crew biographies round off the disc. A good extras package, but a shame that there are bits missing!

Conclusion

As I mentioned in the introduction, this is a film that quickly divided opinion. So time for me to jump off the fence, and into the "good film, I liked it" camp. When you watch it, you`ll certainly be reminded of other films. James Caan`s performance shows that if Harvey Keitel had been unavailable for Pulp Fiction then Caan would have made a good Winston Wolf.

You`ll probably spot some Reservoir Dogs and you`ll definitely be reminded of director Sam Peckinpah during many scenes. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep your brain occupied while your eyes take in hails of bullets and rivers of blood. Ok, it`s not quite that bad, but there is quite a lot of violence, so you should avoid it if that`s not your cup of tea.

All in all a very enjoyable film, and an encouraging start in the director`s chair for McQuarrie. Good performances from the two leads, but it takes James Caan to show them how it`s really done. Only Nick Katt really looks out of place, as he seems far too young for his character. All of these performances are wrapped up in a technically excellent disc, with a nice selection of extras.

If you really love the film, you might want to get the region 1 copy for the deleted scene, production notes and TV spots, but this region 2 release should be sufficient for most.

Recommended.