Director Denis Villeneuve On 'Prisoners'

Okay, lemme just say 'Prisoners' is looking better all the time. I thought it was just product, simply a popcorn flick, albeit a well crafted one. Now, though, I'm thinking this could be one of the special movies of the year and can't wait to see it.

In the clip below Villeneuve talks us through a beautiful scene. I love the tonality -- cold, blue. Cinematography by Roger Deakins is, as you'd expect, lush and easy to watch, however it's the editing that really shines, makes this particular scene come alive.

Editors Joel Cox and Gary Roach often work together. They've spliced Clint Eastwood's 'Invictus' and 'Changeling' among others. Joel cut 'Unforgiven', 'Sudden Impact', 'The Gauntlet', and 'The Enforcer'.

HUGE SPOILER AHEAD

The story (script is by Aaron Guzikowski who did 'Contraband') resonates. There's so much energy. Really, watching trailers can put me on edge, but this clip puts you in the car, in the rain, and makes you wonder just what the hell Jackman's character is up to.

Don't watch if you don't want to know more. The spoiler is pretty heavy duty. How bad is it? We get a clue from A.O. Scott's review:

But if “Prisoners,” written by Aaron Guzikowski, upholds some of the conventions of the angry-dad revenge drama, it also subverts them in surprising, at times devastating ways. The easy catharsis of righteous payback is complicated at every turn, and pain and uncertainty spread like spilled oil on an asphalt road. 

Yeah, 'subverts' may be a weak choice of words as you'll see if you (choose to) watch the video. What I'm thinking is this story throws such a curve at the audience, goes in such an unexpected direction, digs so deep into character, into the human psyche, 'Prisoners' may end up being considered one of the best psychological thrillers of the year.

Reviews are very good and all have the same sly tone, like there's something sinewy and dark afoot. Movies like this don't come along often. Like I said, can't wait.