Edge of Darkness
Any film starring the current whipping boy Mel Gibson was going to be on a hiding for nothing. That Edge of Darkness is actually good seems not to matter to those failing to distinguish between his ‘real’ and ‘reel’ life. Perhaps that’s a price fame places on actors as a public’s expectations and standards are placed on their shoulders. In any case Edge of Darkness is a formidable comeback for someone used to being commended and condemned in equal measure.
When his daughter Emma arrives for a visit, Boston detective Tom Craven (Mel Gibson) feels trepidation. Alarmed at her poorly appearance, he insists on taking her to hospital. Leaving his house, they are suddenly attacked by a masked gunman who kills her. Traumatised by this brutal act, Tom launches an investigation into her death. Discovering a link with a nuclear factory, his search leads to a bloody path where deception and death seamlessly blend.
Director Martin Campbell appears to love doing things in twos. Not content with steering the James Bond films twice to massive success, he returns to a story in which he originally made his name. Based on the acclaimed 1985 BBC 6 part mini-series, Campbell uses his gained knowledge in the preceding years to his advantage. In refreshing the material, he has been able to avoid the trap of so many TV to film adaptations. Where some of suffered from a condensed format, Edge of Darkness mark 2 picks the most compelling elements from the earlier serial to turn into a solid action drama.
Whatever one may think of Gibson, he’s a perfect fit as the film’s tortured soul. Only surviving long enough on his rage and grief, his character uses his skills to uncover the murky business dealings of his daughter’s employers. In some ways this is a huge credit to Troy Kennedy Martin’s original script, as it seems more timely now than ever. Issues of environmental hazards and corporate greed are still sadly ongoing, although it’s interesting how Craven uses little of the current technology to catch his foes. Edge of Darkness is very much an old fashioned revenge tale with cracking action beefing up the unrelenting pace.
Whilst missing of the dramatic weight which so defined the mini-series, the film version’s story focus never wavers. As a comeback vehicle for Gibson, Edge of Darkness should bring his fans back from the shadows who may finally forgive him for his many media fuelled sins.
Rating out of 10: 7
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