Eastern Promises

(2007)

reviewed by Jonathan Rocks

1.14.2007

David Cronenberg is a master of genre filmmaking. He's brought us films like "Scanners", "Videodrome", "eXistenZ" and of course 1986's "The Fly." His films have always been visceral, intense and often very violent endeavors. Though since 2005's "A History of Violence", we have been privy to another side of Cronenberg's work. It's dark and brooding, and while it has taken his work in a more traditional dramatic direction, he still retains the best elements of his earlier work. "Eastern Promises" continues this trend, proving that, after all these years, he has continued to develop as a filmmaker.

The film tells the story of Anna (Naomi Watts), a midwife in a London hospital. Anna delivers the baby of a heroin addicted fourteen year old Russian girl who dies while giving birth. The only clue as to who the girl is, or where she came from, is a diary that Anna finds in the dead girl's belongings. Using her Uncle to translate some of the diary, Anna becomes intent on finding the family of the baby she delivered, hoping to save the child from a life in foster care. What she finds instead is the London base of a Russian mob outfit that is more dangerous than she realizes, and more vulnerable than anyone would imagine.

Viggo Mortensen plays the heavy as Nikolai, a driver for the London mob boss, who develops something of a soft spot for Anna and her plight. Mortensen brings his method-acting “A game” to this role, turning in a solid performance in a role that could have easily been taken over the top by another actor. And I'd be remiss not to mention the intricate prison tattoos that adorn Mortenson's Nikolai, which added a dimension of intrigue to the character that was utterly palpable.

Considering his solid track record in genre filmmaking, as well as his terrific pairings with his new star Viggo Mortenson, David Cronenberg has proven himself to be as interesting a director now as he ever has been. "Eastern Promises" delivers as a well-written, well-acted drama that ranks among his best work to date. His distinct style and approach to storytelling sets him apart, and is also a nice change of pace from the rest of what's been released over the last year or so. In fact, it would be a real shock if his name isn't on industry short lists for Best Director this year. David Cronenberg with an Oscar in his hand-- now that is something I would tune in to watch.

Score: 5 out of 5

Buy your copy at Amazon.com: Eastern Promises