Trailerblazing -- Prisoners

Prisoners -- September 20, 2013 -- directed by Denis Villeneuve -- starring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Maria Bello, Terence Howard, Paul Dano, Viola Davis

Gripping is the first epithet that comes to mind. The next thing that pops up is the question "what if this is not the guy?" This story of a father who abducts his daughter's suspected kidnapper is a morality play if ever there was one. Jackman is a terrific dramatic actor, as he has shown in The Prestige and Les Misérables, but he rarely has a chance to showcase his many talents. The same goes for Gyllenhaal and Bello, and this film looks like it will give the actors another opportunity to shine. On another note, I really like the bleak atmosphere of the piece. Isn't it funny how character-driven narratives like Fargo and apparently Prisoners work better in snow-laden, desolate landscapes? Another thing that appeals to me is the prospect of twists and dilemmas all around. I certainly hope that the filmmakers did not create a generic thriller out of an intriguing idea and I look forward to seeing where the story goes. Who are the Prisoners exactly? We are going to find out this September.