The Limey

The most notable aspect of a film of many notable aspects is its bizarre and circuitous style of editing. The way in which it presents its story makes the viewer realize the mental state of its main character. Wilson, as he is named, seems to exist in all time frames - evident from the constant recollections of the past and future. For instance, at one point in the film we see Wilson walking in front of a brick building and we're treated to quick cuts of the next scene, the previous scene, a pivotal historical scene and a brief cut of the last scene in the movie. Yet somehow the editing makes sense. It's not there only for glamour purposes, it actually serves to add more than style to the story. The editing is a perfect complement to the flashy, energetic direction by Soderbergh.

Terence Stamp is also fantastic as the bent-on-revenge main character. His daughter, Jenny, was killed in a drug feud by cocky, music producer Terry Valentine. Terry Valentine has protection from very high places, so getting to him, and especially making him realize why he's being hunted, is extremely difficult. Wilson is forced to fight through numerous people to accomplish his mission.

Soderbergh's ability as a energetic action director also require commendation. The gun fights, of which there are several, are handledly expertly, sometimes using rapid cuts, sometimes standing back while the action takes place dozens of feet away. The most interesting gun fight is notable in this respect: Wilson enters a plant after having been kicked out and we see nothing but his entrance and the bright flashes of gunpowder as he pulls the trigger. Later, Wilson stumbles out after an escapee and yells his challenge.

Perhaps keeping the story from greatness was its inability to completely flesh out all the characters. Terry Valentine's wife is never thoroughly examined, and we know little about her than her name. The same goes for Valentine's main bodyguard. Clearly, precendence was placed upon the mental state of Wilson and the extravagant editing style.

Soderbergh continues his reign as one of the most eagerly anticipated directors around. His ability to derive great performances from his actors is fantastic, but his visual, raw energy is what sets him apart. The Limey continues our perception of Soderbergh's skill.

On a scale of 1 to 10 gun triggers : 7