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This psychological
thriller starring Meg Ryan, Gwyneth Paltrow and Dennis Quaid is a serious
analytical study into the people we fear most. Natural Born killers, and the
psychological thrill of seeing these inane characters at their worst. A son
who is set on changing his inherited nature and rebels against his fathers
will to become something like him.
Alias is brought up by one
of the most horrific nightmare of a father who we first see at the very
beginning doing away with a whole family just to get their valuables. Alias
was sent on an “errand” as you may say and called in to a home in Vincent
County. He sat outside and waited to be invited in by the family. Lurking in
the shadows Alias was invited into the home where his father was about to rain
hell. After this event Alias becomes a slot machine vendor and enjoys the
routine and regularity of his life, something he has become accustomed to.
Far from the world of
crime and his murdering father Alias tries to live a quiet life out of
trouble. Soon all this will change and Alias is to meet Kaye (Meg Ryan) who
is a tough character whom he happened to stumble across on one of his trips
abroad. She tags along and eventually Alias realises that she is a part of
his not so rosy past. The secret that he holds is something that is “better
off left unsaid (Alias)” and the closed character of Alias is something of a
statement and lesson to be learnt by all.
With a rather slow and
intense atmosphere the film is not as good as it sounds. The acting is fine
and the subject matter is interesting but a lot of the film’s dialogue is hard
to hear even with sound turned up. The film also stars Gwyneth Paltrow whose
role is a very interesting and darkly amusing. Some of the Black humour and
one liners are poignant and at rather seldom times amusing.
This psychological
thriller is not a predictable film, which would mean the viewer could only
guess at what is to happen next. Strength in the plot marred with the fact
that the film is only directed towards the analytical. This is both a
positive factor as this is an intelligent portrayal of the darker kind of
character of a killer and his son. On the other end it will go without
conjecture and will not be enjoyed for it’s worth. Overall Flesh and Bone is
an interesting film, which is both unequivocal and direct in delivery. The
interaction between the two main characters Alias and Kaye is a subtle bond
which unravels as a dark profound relationship where the truth seems to always
keep them apart.
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