A House of Dynamite
A House of Dynamite is streaming on Netflix at the time of writing. Rated R. Common Sense says 14+
When a single, unattributed missile is launched at the United States, a race begins to determine who is responsible and how to respond.
STORY: D
A trick play that doesn’t quite work out.
The story uses the “Rashomon Effect” (named after Akira Kurosawa’s classic film) - retelling the same story from multiple points of view. I’ve always likened it to the “Crane Technique” in The Karate Kid - if executed properly, it works every time.
When it’s used well, each retelling will act as a puzzle. Every layer reveals hidden motives, mind-blowing new information, and thematic resonance.
Here, it’s not done properly. Too little changes from chapter to chapter in A House of Dynamite. Its wobbly impact makes it come off like a cheap gimmick instead of art.
PEOPLE: B+
Big cast. Small screen times.
This massive cast boasts a staggering amount of talent. It’s got Rebecca Ferguson, Idris Elba, Tracy Letts, Greta Lee, Anthony Ramos, Kaitlyn Dever, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Gabriel Basso, and Jason Clarke.
Dividing up the runtime among this ocean of talent leaves us wishing we could spend more time with them. It’s just math.
FILM GEEK STUFF: C-
A thrilling trope, neutered.
Few things ratchet up cinematic tension like a ticking clock. The camera pans over to the Situation Room’s counter so often, you’d think there was gold in it.
But the storytelling technique forces the clock to repeatedly reset. That sucks most of the dramatic punch from the last two thirds of the film. That’s fine if the narrative gets something valuable in return. It doesn’t, so this feels more like self-sabotage.
ONE BIG LESSON: C-
Cell phones are my love language.
Privy to early information, most of these front line defenders steal away at some point to call a loved one and tell them they love them.
Make sure you tell those you love you love them. Early and often. There’s honestly nothing more important to the future of our world.
Well, that, and ensuring we’ve got capable people using capable technology to protect us.
FINAL COMMENTS:
I kept singing an Eminem line while watching this film: You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow.
That line applies to this movie in so many ways. One shot to take down a nuclear missile. One shot to save the world. One shot to show off your acting chops because there are 83 other main characters jockeying for screen time.
The Oscar winner will get another shot to direct, but did Kathryn Bigelow miss her shot with this movie? I think she did. The lack of pay off for using multiple timelines drains much of the film’s power. Regardless, I’m still excited to see her next movie, whatever that may be.
If you enjoy thrillers - especially ones that plumb the inner workings of the government, or if you like movies that play with timelines, you’re going to enjoy this movie. And if you find the technique does work for you, you’ll absolutely love it.