Russell Crowe’s Unhinged Tried to Save Cinema Post-Pandemic

Russell Crowe's Unhinged Tried to Save Cinema Post-Pandemic

Quick Links

  • Unhinged Is a Taut & Suspenseful Psychological Thriller
  • Russell Crowe Tried to Revive the Silver Screen with Unhinged
  • Unhinged Finds New Life Through Streaming

As a longtime cinephile who has witnessed the rise and fall of many a star, I must say that Russell Crowe is one actor whose talent and versatility have always left me in awe. From his Academy Award-winning portrayal of Maximus Decimus Meridius in Gladiator to his intense performance as Les Misérables’ Javert, Crowe has proven time and again that he can handle any role thrown his way.


Without a doubt, one of the most honored and respected figures in Hollywood is none other than Russell Crowe, who boasts a remarkable 30-year film career. He has consistently shown off his exceptional acting abilities in every captivating role and movie he undertakes. Crowe has skillfully portrayed a diverse range of unforgettable characters, such as a mathematician, tough detective, heavyweight boxing champion, legendary outlaw hero, and more recently, a disturbed psychopath in 2020, adding yet another intriguing character to his extensive collection.

The Academy Award-winner starred in the psychological thriller Unhinged, in which he appeared as a madman seeking vengeance after becoming swept up in a road rage incident with a single mother, prompting the unstable antagonist to terrorize the young woman and her son. The film was the first movie to receive a wide theatrical release in over five months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, serving as a beacon of hope for the entertainment industry as it waded into unknown territory in the direct aftermath of the virus. Unhinged is currently available for streaming on Netflix, so curious viewers can check out just what the influential thriller is all about and witness Crowe’s spine-tingling reign of terror.

Unhinged Is a Taut & Suspenseful Psychological Thriller

Russell Crowe's Unhinged Tried to Save Cinema Post-PandemicRussell Crowe's Unhinged Tried to Save Cinema Post-PandemicRussell Crowe's Unhinged Tried to Save Cinema Post-Pandemic

Russell Crowe, an Academy Award winner known for his powerful performances, brought a chilling blend of chaos and fear to the intense psychological thriller “Unhinged.” In this edge-of-your-seat film, Rachel Flynn (Caren Pistorius) experiences her day spiraling from ordinary to nightmarish when she honks at Tom Cooper’s (Crowe) truck during rush hour traffic. This seemingly innocuous action sets off a chain of events where the mysterious man starts relentlessly pursuing both Rachel and her son Kyle, creating a terrifying ordeal for them.

In this scenario, Rachel finds herself in a critical struggle against the cunning Tom, who harbors a malicious intent towards her. Despite Tom’s initial expression of remorse and an attempt to make amends with Rachel by apologizing for his actions and expressing a desire to start fresh following their altercation, he emphasized that individuals should admit fault for any wrongdoings. However, the exasperated mother stands firm in her refusal to apologize for merely honking the horn, prompting Tom to ominously warn her about experiencing “a bad day” in the near future. True to his word, Tom persistently pursues Rachel and those closest to her throughout the suspenseful thriller.

Russell Crowe Tried to Revive the Silver Screen with Unhinged

Russell Crowe's Unhinged Tried to Save Cinema Post-PandemicRussell Crowe's Unhinged Tried to Save Cinema Post-PandemicRussell Crowe's Unhinged Tried to Save Cinema Post-Pandemic

On August 21, 2020, the much-awaited theatrical debut of “Unhinged” marked a significant milestone as it was the first movie to hit wide theatrical release in the U.S. following the COVID-19 pandemic’s closure of almost all American theaters. This thriller opened in 1,823 North American cinemas after a prolonged absence of nearly six months from the launch of new Hollywood films. It served as a test to gauge whether audiences would be ready to return to theaters and assess if theaters could successfully recover post-virus.

Veteran movie star Russell Crowe was an excellent pick for attempting to rejuvenate the big screen, even though Tom Cruise ended up receiving most of the praise for Top Gun: Maverick. With a distinguished career that has lasted three decades and numerous accolades such as an Academy Award, two Golden Globes, and BAFTA under his belt, Crowe is one of the entertainment industry’s most dynamic performers. Hailing from New Zealand, he has graced the screen in several blockbuster hits like Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind, American Gangster, and Les Misérables. Studios were wise to take a chance on Crowe, banking on his celebrity status to attract audiences.

The movie titled “Unhinged” generated a total revenue of $44.3 million, surpassing its production budget of $33 million. Interestingly, the film earned $4 million during its debut weekend, as stated by The Hollywood Reporter. This earnings figure was considered a success in a financial report for the thriller. Despite this box office success, critics were somewhat unimpressed with the revenge-themed movie. Although they appreciated Russell Crowe’s powerful and unrestrained performance, many felt that the plot and Crowe’s potential were not fully utilized in the film. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly in 2020, director Derrick Bronte emphasized the significance of “Unhinged” and its release.

Being the first movie to be shown in theaters is undeniably thrilling, yet there are several apprehensions associated with it. I understand that the studio and cinema chains are taking all necessary precautions for safety, so while we’re excited, it’s essential not to overlook the responsibility that comes with this.

Unhinged Finds New Life Through Streaming

Russell Crowe's Unhinged Tried to Save Cinema Post-PandemicRussell Crowe's Unhinged Tried to Save Cinema Post-PandemicRussell Crowe's Unhinged Tried to Save Cinema Post-Pandemic

Despite some initial reservations about Unhinged, the film’s raw and exhilarating quality is gaining traction and admiration via streaming platforms. The suspenseful movie made its way onto Netflix’s expanding library in October 2024, offering viewers a chilling experience. Russell Crowe delivers an intense performance as the menacing villain, determined to seek revenge against a single mother who crossed his path on a particularly disastrous day. The two characters engage in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse, and it’s captivating for fans to witness Crowe display his villainous side once more. His portrayal further highlights the actor’s versatility as a prominent figure in Hollywood.

This moderately rated road rage thriller, with a 48% Rotten Tomatoes score, has garnered more enthusiasm from viewers. The movie Unhinged received an impressive 78% rating from Popcornmeter fans and was particularly praised for Russell Crowe’s chilling portrayal of a deranged madman seeking violent retribution.

Read More

Sorry. No data so far.

2024-10-23 01:01