Inside Man(2006)- Review

Inside Man is heist thriller movie by director Spike Lee. It takes us through the 24-hour heist on a Wall Street bank. The mastermind and the executor of the heist Dalton Russell (Clive Owen) devises a plan for a “Perfect Bank Robbery” which includes taking control of the bank and in turn everyone inside the bank as hostages. Though it’s a minutely crafted strategy everything should go as planned to the letter, and the authorities need to be kept at bay. This won’t be the easiest thing with Detective Keith Frazier (Denzel Washington) assigned to negotiate. He is highly motivated official hoping to make Detective First Grade and to swipe the tarnish of his scandalous past. Arthur Case (Christopher Plummer) the chairman of the board of directors and founder of the fictional Manhattan Trust bank, has his own set of skeletons in the closet that he wishes were not revealed to the world. To make sure of this he hires Madeleine White (Jodie Foster) as a powerbroker fixer. The film wholly depicts Russell’s plan unravelling and Fraizer & White trying all they can to stop him.

An exceptionally thought of story that makes sure to hold the viewer’s attention till the very end. The well thought of story wouldn’t not have without the directorial effort of Spike Lee and ultimately without good performances from Owen & Washington. The partially narrative style initially unconvincing but by the end seems to have helped keep the suspense going and the viewer’s guessing. Most heist movies are a bit pacey through the heist part of it and focus more on whatever comes next. But Inside Man maintains its pace throughout trying to distance itself from traditional heist movies. The camerawork also needs to be appreciated considering the authenticity and preciseness the movie tries to display.

There are a few let downs in the movie. Having lauded the story above it may have been well curated but all viewers may not appreciate the smallest of kinks being sown in the movie. Few parts may have been important but they could have tried to shorten it a bit. While others shined in their roles Foster seemed casual in her portrayal, maybe it was demanded by the character but it did not match the performances of Owen & Washington. Lastly, these type of movies work both ways with an expansive soundtrack or limited to none at all. Inside Man can be characterized in the latter but the inclusion of an Indian song in the opening credits seems a bit odd. Don’t get me wrong it always good to see A.R Rahman’s work featuring in Hollywood movies, but the without much connection or context a lyrical song feels abnormally placed.

In conclusion the movie has some overt shortfalls but it is still worth watching. It succeeds in keeping the viewer at the edge of their seats and gives good unexpected surprises.

Acting- 8

Casting- 8.5

Cinematography- 9

Dialogue- 9

Directing- 9.5

Editing & Effects- 7.5

Sound & Music- 7

Story/Plausibility- 8

Storytelling- 8.5

Rating- 8

Available on: Netflix 

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