Customer Reviews

Derailed (Uncut Widescreen Edition)

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Derailed is an entertaining enough movie, thanks largely to the charisma of the leading players, particular Clive Owen, who does an excellent job in a role that under close scrutiny doesn't make a lot of sense. However, this film is nothing new in that it is your typical betrayal movie, reminiscent of films were one character plays on the emotions and trust of another in order to destroy, hurt, or use them. It is always stunning to see how these sociopaths in movies can manipulate and seduce their victims into loving or trusting them.

In Derailed, we see the Clive Owen character fall prey to a pair of con artists played by Jennifer Aniston, in a so so performance that offered limited possibilities, and Vincent Casel, who does a great job of playing the vicious character in this movie. It soon becomes a nightmare of extortion and violence for the Owen character, to the point where he jeopardizes the life of his daughter by giving away the life savings he had for her life saving medical treatment.

One serious weakness in this film, and I suppose you find it in many of this type, is the maddening stupidity of the lead character that allows this nightmare to grow. I found myself continually wondering why he would not go to the police rather than go through this nightmare. The reason the film gives are incredibly lame and naive, particular when we consider the price he ends of paying. Also, even the film gives the viewer a satisfactory happy ending, it is difficult to avoid the conclusion that the ending is too neat and convenient, and really is designed to appease the audience. Yet, there would be no movie if the character had behaved in a rational manner.

In many ways this is a glossy film noir, and as such, an enjoyable film to view. On that basis, I would recommend it for fans of the genre.

i just watched derailed starring clive owen and jennifer aniston.i thought it was entertaining but more in the vein of a dramatic film than a suspense/thriller.there were parts where more tension could have been built,but wasn't. the performances were much better than one usually finds in this type of movie.jennifer aniston more than holds her own here.the dialogue was also well written.that with the performances elavated the film a few levels.there were also a few twists and turns that i did not see coming(including the ending)which i should have.credit the director for that.however there was zero chemistry between aniston and owen in the intimate moments.on the plus side i did like melissa george,who played the wife to clive owen's character.you won't see much originality here,but you will be entertained.
3 out of 5