Dead Man's Wire

 

        Based on a true story, the latest film from director Gus Van Sant is a taut little thriller starring an electric Bill Skarsgard.

         The film is shot almost as a documentary as Mr. Van Sant enjoys recreating actual events. Mr. Skarsgard plays Tony Kiritsis, a man who felt swindled by a loan company, who takes the son of the owner hostage, with a shotgun wired at the back of his head. Dacre Montgomery plays Richard Hall, the nervous hostage.

            Co-starring are Cary Elwes (almost unrecognizable) as Detective Michael Grable, Myha'la as TV reporter Linda Page, Colman Domingo as DJ Fred Temple,  Al Pacino as M.L. Hall, the owner of the loan company and Kelly Lynch as his wife. Mr. Pacino's role amounts to little more than a cameo. Mr. Domingo's role is a bit bigger and more significant.

             The time and place is 1977 in Indianapolis and Mr. Van Sant goes to great lengths for authenticity in the costumes and sets.  Ironically, it was shot in Louisville Kentucky standing in for Indianapolis. It's a fast paced thriller tinged with humor and suspense that could be a distant cousin to "Dog Day Afternoon".

              Mr. Skarsgard sheds his iconic role of "Pennywise the Clown" from "IT" and makes the most of his role as Tony Kiritsis. He drives the entire film.

               It's a wild story with a surprising ending (if you don't know the actual facts). Actual footage of the real event plays during the credits.