Savior is a film that forces you to confront the harsh realities of the world. It doesn't play scenes for excitement or entertainment, nor does it offer an easy escape for the audience. Dennis Quaid goes through hell in this film. He loses everything he loves, and then turns into a monster. The film is about his
redemption. It could be argued as to whether he is the savior, or if that label goes to the baby he is protecting. Slowly, Quaid regains his humanity, but it isn't some schmaltzy love-fest. It shows Quaid's frustration and anger as part of what makes him human. The film is very grim and hard to watch. This is mainly due to the relaxed style Predrag Antonijevic adopts. Scenes you can imagine containing slow-motion, quick cuts and powerful music, are simply shot and edited as they would happen. It's shocking to see such huge moments played out with such subtlety, but it is also the film's major strength. If you don't mind powerful yet difficult cinema, check out Savior.
October 6, 2009
