Mission Impossible
(1996)
A film review by Isaak Koh
Directed by: Brian de Palma
Produced by: Cruise/Wagner Productions / Paramount Pictures / Paramount Pictures Corporation (distributor)
Cast: Tom Cruise (Ethan Hunt), Jon Voight (Jim Phelps), Henry Czerny (Kittridge), Emmanuelle Beart (Claire Phelps), Kristin Scott Thomas (Sarah Davies), Emilio Estevez (Jack).
Run Time: 110 minutes
Theatres: Cathay, Changi, Chinatown, Golden Village theatres (Boon Lay, Tiong Bahru, Tampines Mall 8, Yishun 10 etc), Hougang, Woodlands.
How many of us movie-going folk have actually watched an episode from the original "Mission: Impossible" television series? I've always had the impression that it was like "The Man from U.N.C.L.E" with a touch of James Bond. This updated film version is the latest in the trend of nostalgic remakes, and stars the ever popular Tom Cruise. Anticipating an explosive "espionage adventure thriller" (the actual phrase from the promotional material), I attended the "Charity Gala Film Premiere" of the series more remembered or its theme music than for the stories themselves. A BLAST FROM THE PAST
Right from the start, the MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE music pulsates from the theatre speakers in LOUD high-fidelity stereophonic sound. The opening is slick and stylish, somewhat like a Bond film. From then on, it is a non-stop, rock n' roll, roller-coaster ride of intrigue and action, and it left me speechless (and breathless). Just imagine the intense action of SPEED with the unflinching pace of SEVEN. Cruise is Ethan Hunt, a member of a covert team. The plot revolves around the recovery of a list of the code names of the agencies and their corresponding real names. Things go wrong (but of course) and Hunt is ruthlessly sucked into a web of lies and betrayal where the enemy is unknown and constantly close by.Performances are consistently top drawer from the stellar international cast. Cruise is refreshingly excellent as Hunt, and it is ironic to observe that his acting has completely matured in an action movie. He is perfectly natural, and he brings an ardent honesty and sincerity to the role. Cruise does not dominate the screen and merges seamlessly with the other actors. The film is thus focused on the plot and not on the stars, and this undoubtedly enhances the immersive experience of the movie. Emmanuelle Beart, who resembles Claudia Schiffer (but with fuller lips), currently France's hottest female star, plays Jim Phelp's wife Clara. Voight does well as team leader Jim, while Jean Reno (THE PROFESSIONAL) and Vanessa Redgrave are wonderful as suporting cast members.
The stunts are absolutely amazing. Hunt travels around the globe and is involved in hair-raising, life-threatening situations such as an exploding aquarium, a vault penetration and a high-speed (and I really mean it), train action finale. The cinematography has director Brian De Palma's fingerprints aall over--skewered close-up shots and slow-motion scenes with hushed, background noise. This film will have you at the edge of your seat with its relentless action sequences.
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE resembles, surprisingly, Paul Verhoeven's TOTAL RECALL. The plot has more twists and turns than knots on a rope. Like Cruise's character, the viewer is never sure who is telling the truth and who isn't. This is a thinking man's movie, and making sense of the proceedings, coupled with the heart-stopping action, can be mentally taking. Characterization is superficial at best, and relationships between characters are not clearly defined, making the film rather confusing. Apart from these minor flaws, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE is a first-rate action movie, and is compulsory viewing for all action buffs. Expect the impossible, and be prepared to be blown away.
THE FLYING INKPOT's rating system:
* Wait for the video.
** A little creaky, but still better than staying at home with Gotcha!
*** Pretty good, bring a friend.
**** Amazing, potent stuff.
***** Perfection. See it twice.
Isaak Koh is a third year literature student waiting to read Honours in English at the National University of Singapore in the new academic year. He watches the X-Files religiously.
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