The first movie adaptation of A. J. Quinnell's novel is a moody and atmospheric European co-production. French director Elie Chouraqui sucks you into a world of detached relations and understated emotions, in many ways a typical setting for this melancholy tale of a disillusioned body guard (Scott Glenn) whose acquaintance with the precocious 12-year-old he is hired to protect (Jade Malle) revitalizes him and awakes his repressed emotions. There is a delicate balance to the interplay between Creasy and the girl, and debutante Malle gives her character expressivity and emotional curiosity, despite some below par line readings. A tough-looking Scott Glenn finds just the right tone for Christian Creasy, empowering his subsequent violent revenge spree, which retains a certain nerve despite its obvious triteness. Joe Pesci is spirited as Glenn's friend and former partner. And Danny Aiello has a great little bit part as an Italian-American mobster. Remade in 2004 with Denzel Washington as Creasy and Tony Scott as director.
Review of Man on Fire
