As a longtime admirer of Russell Crowe’s acting prowess, I must say that his performance in “Unhinged” truly showcases his versatility and talent for portraying complex villainous characters. While the film itself may not have been critically acclaimed, Crowe’s performance as The Man is a tour de force that demands attention.
On October 14, 2024, I’m thrilled to welcome the arrival of “Unhinged” on Netflix. In this gripping movie, the immensely talented Russell Crowe delivers an unforgettable portrayal of a villain that left audiences eager for more. The 2020 road rage thriller, “Unhinged,” introduces us to Tom Cooper, played by none other than Crowe himself, a man whose anger over a minor traffic incident spirals out of control. This transformation leaves him as a seething motorist, and his confrontation with a single mother, Rachel (Caren Pistorius), sets off a chain of events that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Although the film “Unhinged” received mixed reviews from both critics and audiences, Russell Crowe’s fiery performance solidifies the need for him to take on more antagonistic roles in films. While Crowe is well-known for his Oscar-nominated characters in “The Insider,” “Gladiator,” and “A Beautiful Mind,” the role in “Unhinged” adds to a select group of villainous performances by Crowe that display his acting prowess and emphasize his ability as a versatile A-list actor who can convincingly play both heroes and villains.
Who Is Russell Crowe?
Originating from New Zealand and brought up in Australia, Russell Crowe is a three-time Academy Award nominee who started his acting career on television in the popular Australian soap opera “Neighbours.” His film debut came in 1990 with the movie “Blood Oath,” but it was his role as Hando in the 1992 film “Romper Stomper” that truly launched him into prominence. In this film, Crowe portrayed a ruthless Nazi skinhead leader terrorizing minorities in Melbourne, instilling fear in audiences with his unpredictable and malicious character.
After the movie “Romper Stomper,” Crowe delivered outstanding performances in films such as “The Quick and the Dead“, “Virtuosity“, “Heaven is Burning“, “Mystery“, “Alaska“, and notably, “L.A. Confidential“. Crowe’s moving portrayal of Bud White in “L.A. Confidential” marked his transition from a supporting actor to a leading man, which led to immediate recognition and eventual award wins. Crowe received the first of his three Academy Award nominations for his work in Michael Mann’s groundbreaking drama, “The Insider“, a powerful film tackling the tobacco industry.
A year after, Crowe garnered his second Oscar nomination and victory for Gladiator, Ridley Scott’s upcoming sword-and-sandal sequel. The following year, he earned his third and last Oscar nod for A Beautiful Mind, making it three consecutive nominations for playing a heroic character. Some other notable roles of Crowe include Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, Cinderella Man, 3:10 to Yuma, American Gangster, Les Misérables, Noah, and Man of Steel.
In the movie “Unhinged,” Crowe revisits the malevolent character type that earned him acclaim earlier on in his career, prior to his ascent to stardom and subsequent accolades.
What Is Unhinged About?
Unhinged is a violent psychological action thriller penned by Carl Ellsworth and helmed by Derrick Borte. Initially unleashed in cinemas during the early stages of the pandemic, it premiered in August 2020. The movie opens with an anonymous man setting fire to a house where his wife was having an affair, then casually leaving as the building blazes. The next day, we meet Tom Cooper – a vengeful psychopath holding deep-seated grudges, whose anger is ignited at a traffic intersection.
In a situation where a woman named Rachel, a single mother, is running late for work to avoid being dismissed, an unexpected phone call at a traffic light results in her termination. Frustrated by a driver named Cooper who doesn’t move when the light turns green, she honks her horn. This minor incident sets off a chain of events, as Cooper becomes enraged and determined, following Rachel persistently using unconventional means to keep up with her.
Despite receiving mediocre critiques due to its predictable plotline, lackluster script, and budget-friendly filmmaking, many viewers feel that Russell Crowe‘s captivating portrayal of the villain justifies the ticket price. Rather than being a one-dimensional performance, Crowe skillfully blends Cooper’s eerie demeanor with humorous undertones, resulting in an entertaining viewing experience. As stated by Original-Cin’s review:
In this movie, Crowe, credited simply as “The Man,” is the main attraction. His portrayal of the villain is compelling and authentic. Even when the film strays into the absurd, Crowe manages to hold your gaze, making it hard to look away.
In an impressive display of acting skill, Crowe manages to portray his character as excessively extreme yet remarkably believable, a complex performance that appears effortless but requires great talent. This balance effectively creates an unsettling atmosphere from start to finish. When Cooper’s psychological instability emerges, Crowe subtly portrays him as a victim of societal norms without any hint of humor or sarcasm, underscoring the immoral nature of his road rage.
In a surprising twist, Cooper is acting in direct opposition to the ideals he represents, a portrayal reminiscent of Michael Douglas’ character D-Fens from the 1993 film “Falling Down.” Similar to the anonymous protagonist and D-Fens, both figures voice their discontent through extreme acts of violence, oblivious to the fact that they are part of the problem rather than the solution. Crowe delivers a compelling performance, suggesting he might excel in future antagonistic roles.
How Unhinged Proves Crowe Needs to Play More Villains
In the film “Unhinged,” Crowe delivers a powerful portrayal of a villain with undeniable intensity. However, it’s crucial to remember that Crowe is not just a one-dimensional bad guy; he excels at playing complex antagonists. For instance, apart from his role in “Romper Stomper,” Crowe engaged in a fierce confrontation with Denzel Washington in the 1995 film “Virtuosity.” In this movie, Crowe portrayed Sid 6.7, a formidable VR android assassin. Although “Virtuosity” was overshadowed by Crowe’s heroic performance in “The Quick and the Dead,” also released in 1995, Crowe’s performance in “Virtuosity” remains compelling.
2007 marked a year where Crowe showcased his ability to portray captivating villains, particularly as the cunning gunslinger and train robber Ben Wade in “3:10 to Yuma,” opposite Christian Bale. However, his impressive performance seemed to be overshadowed by his role as a hero in Ridley Scott’s “American Gangster” that same year. Essentially, even though Crowe has convincingly played antagonists before, these performances sometimes get overshadowed by his roles in more well-known movies where he plays the main character.
In the year 2012, Russell Crowe took on the legendary role of Javert in the film adaptation of Les Misérables, bringing to life a notorious antagonist first introduced in 1862. In every instance, Crowe delivers captivating and compelling performances as a villain, leaving an indelible impression on viewers. Although he has yet to receive an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of evil characters, the movie “Unhinged” joins “Romper Stomper,” “Virtuosity,” “3:10 to Yuma,” and “Les Misérables” as proof that Russell Crowe should be cast more frequently in fictional villain roles.
Unhinged is available to stream on Netflix.
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2024-10-18 04:32