Knox Goes Away

 

       Once in a while a film with no fanfare, advertising or any real press means the studio that releases it has no faith in it. But sometimes a film like that can sneak up on you and you find yourself pleasantly surprised. This is one of those films.

       Michael Keaton stars and directs himself, as John Knox, a criminal diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease. This is a rapidly moving form of dementia that he is told will completely take hold of his mind and body within weeks. With time running out, he tries to make amends by protect the life of his adult son, while also being pursued by the police who are investigating his involvement in a murder,

        Mr. Keaton is absolutely terrific as Knox. Whether it was because he directed himself or simply because he is such a good actor, this is one of his best performances. The film co-stars Al Pacino as his mentor, Marcia Gay Harden as his ex-wife, and James Marsden as his son, Also featured are Ray McKinnon, Joanna Kulig, Lela Loren and as the detectives in charge of the investigation, Suzy Nakamura and John Hoogenakker.

        As a director, Mr. Keaton keeps the film well paced without any theatrics and getting good work from the whole cast, including Mr. Pacino who, of late, can sometimes be rather manic. The script, by Gregory Poinier, is an original twist on the crime genre pitting Mr. Keaton's disintegrating mind in a race against his plan to protect his son, all while the police and other criminals keep getting in his way.

        This is an Indie drama worth your time.