Arlington Road
A college professor suspects his neighbors of being terrorists.
Some movies don’t get full recognition of their capability for a myriad of reasons. Even with a full bolstered cast and a great and intriguing story, sometimes it’s just in the cards for that movie to be seen by all. Arlington Road is a film I would place in this category.
Arlington Road explores the life of Michael Faraday (Jeff Bridges) a widowed college professor at George Washington University who teaches about the history of terrorism. His wife was killed in an anti-terrorist sting operation and in his grief takes his teachings to the next level as he is quite passionate. After the arrival of new neighbors Oliver and Cheryl Lang (Tim Robbins and Joan Cusack), they fill his heart as they have young children for his son to play with. When he starts getting closer to the Langs, his suspicion grows and paranoia runs wild as he fears they may be terrorists.
This film is quite dark and intimate – especially in the lighting – as it creates such tension that you fear for Faraday’s welfare as he walks around every corner. We are there every step of the way with him as he unearths clues as to the truth about his neighbors. We learn as he learns. Arlington Road’s suspense is its strongest component to make this a bold thriller. When danger lurks around every corner and you have your knees up to your chest clawing at the arm rest of your seat, you know this is good.
The acting is tremendous as performances all around are just sensational to watch. Bridges has a startling range that just make us sympathize with his life of loss. Robbins is spellbinding with his enigmatic demeanor. He’s placid and cool as we begin to wonder whether or not he actually is a terrorist in the midst of Faraday’s compiling of evidence. Even Cusack’s upholding of domestic duties as a housewife appearing to be warm and cheery just makes you take notice.
The reason for the film’s unfavorable response is the ending. I am certainly not going to spoil it in any way, but it is very memorable. Some might characterize it as unsatisfying, but I think it’s one of the most brilliant things at the time. It’s unexpected and will leave you with your jaw hanging open paralyzed in shock.
Written by: John Berkowitz
Reviewers Rating: 8.5
Reader's Rating: 0
Reader's Votes: 0
Added: 3-Jun-2008
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