Domino
I have a theory about British actors. They can walk into a mediocre American production and, by sheer will, and charismatic eloquence, seduce you into enjoying it. This film proves it. Note: I’m not saying this is a great film. Let it be said that I feel as though Tony Scott is a Michael Bay protége. He loves his slo-mo shots of helicopters and what Quentin Tarantino refers to as…
Keira Knightley stars as model-turned-bounty-hunter “Domino Harveyâ€
in New Line Cinema’s release of Tony Scott’s wild action thriller, DOMINO.
Photo Credit: ©2005 Daniela Scaramuzza/New Line Productions.
I have a theory about British actors. They can walk into a mediocre American production and, by sheer will, and charismatic eloquence, seduce you into enjoying it. This film proves it. Note: I’m not saying this is a great film. Let it be said that I feel as though Tony Scott is a Michael Bay protége. He loves his slo-mo shots of helicopters and what Quentin Tarantino refers to as “The Walk”—e.g. “Reservoir Dogs.”
Oh yes, people get beat up, shit gets blown up, boobs get shown, and a guy, Choco (Edgar Ramirez) speaks Spanish unnecessarily when, we’re informed, he’s perfectly fluent in English—a feeble attempt to arouse Domino Harvey (Keira Knightley).
The real Domino Harvey was, in fact, a bounty hunter—daughter of actor Lawrence Harvey and model/socialite Paulene Stone (the name was changed to “Sophie Wynn” for this movie, don’t ask me why). Though, as the opening credits inform us, this film is based on a true story, only “sort of.”
Taryn Mills (Lucy Liu), a Federal investigator, is holding Domino for questioning about a crime in which she was involved. Thirty-six hours prior, $10 million was stolen from an armored car. The driver, Locus Fender (Lew Temple), was in on the heist. The money was to be delivered to Drew Bishop (Dabney Coleman)—owner of the Stratosphere hotel & casino.
Domino, her friend Choco, and her mentor Ed (Mickey Rourke)—all bounty hunters—track Fender to his compound in the desert. They’ve taken Fender hostage, much to the chagrin of his mother and accomplice, Edna (Dale Dickey). The bounty hunters toss Fender’s arm out into the hallway of Edna’s home to get her attention.
“My agenda is to kick ass and secure the bounty,” declares Domino. I’m not quoting this line because I think it’s great scripting. It’s just a good example of where you should set their expectations if you are, in fact, thinking of seeing this movie.
Domino comes off as an arrogant, wealthy brat looking for something to preoccupy her. Effecting Alex the Droog, “I wanna have a little fun,” explains Domino to Ed at a seminar he’s working. It’s actually a confidence scam in the guise of a seminar, hosted by bail bondsman Claremont Williams (Delroy Lindo). Sure, it’s cliché, but, falling back on my theory, Keira Knightley and only Keira Knightley could make it work.
Domino works her way to the top of the food chain and eventually is recognized by her peers as the 2003 Bounty Hunter of the Year. Mark Heiss (Christopher Walken in the Christopher Walken role), a television producer, takes an interest in the gang—envisioning a “reality show” covering their exploits.
Sophie (Jacqueline Bisset) warns her daughter, “You will be exploited. Your story won’t be told truthfully.” Really? You don’t say!
At any rate, there’s a plot I don’t want to spoil, because the action is essentially what this movie has going for it… not including Keira Knightley and, for the women, Edgar Ramirez. Naturally, you know the rest… guns, bombs, boobs, explosions, slo-mo helicopters, and, hmm, do the two hottest characters, male and female, get it on?
One of the characters in the film, a recovering nymphomaniac, is at one point seen in a flashback to a sex addicts group meeting. He believes that society is progressing, or regressing, toward a state he calls “A.P.A.T.T.”—all porno, all the time.
…no kidding.
Suffice it to say, the editors must have been cranking away at the scenes while drinking too much caffeine, watching music videos, smoking crack, and wondering what Keira Knightley’s voice might sound like through a transistor radio. But, I suppose “Domino” can still be fun, if you’re in the mood to see Keira Knightley kick ass and chew bubblegum… Lucky for you, she’s all out of bubblegum.
Domino • Dolby® Digital surround sound in select theatres • Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 • Running Time: 130 minutes • MPAA Rating: R for strong violence, pervasive language, sexual content/nudity and drug use. • Distributed by New Line Cinema
