Man on Fire (2004)
Director: Tony Scott
Screenplay: Brian Helgeland based on MAN ON FIRE by A. J. Quinnell
Stars: Denzel Washington, Christopher Walken, Dakota Fanning, Radha Mitchell, Marc Anthony, Giancarlo Giannini, Rachel Ticotin, Jesús Ochoa and Mickey Rourke.
Tagline: You don’t need a saint… You need a savior.
The Plot…
Ex-CIA operative John Creasey (Washington) is in a bad way. He’s burnt out, out of shape and drinks too much. Creasey’s guilt over past missions makes him question living. Then an old CIA buddy, Paul Rayburn (Walken) throws Creasey a lifeline.
Samuel Ramos (Anthony), a wealthy Mexican, needs protection for his young daughter Pita (Fanning). Kidnappings in Mexico are on the rise. Ramos’ insurance policy requires a full time bodyguard. Creasey is reluctant to take the job, but needs the work. Initially cold and professional to Pita, she slowly wins him over. Creasey stops drinking as much. His attitude towards life improves.
Then the unthinkable happens.
As two crooked Mexican Federales block the street kidnappers come for Pita. Creasey kills four but is shot repeatedly as Pita is kidnapped. Negotiations for Pita’s return go on as Creasey recovers. Ten million dollars is the demand for Pita’s return. When the ransom drop goes sideways, the money is taken, but Pita isn’t returned.
The family gets a call from the kidnappers. Because of the ambush, Pita will be lost forever.
Still not fully recovered, Creasey promises to kill everyone involved in Pita’s kidnapping.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Screenwriter Brian “LA Confidential” Helgeland was in a video store. He asked the clerk to recommend a good movie. “Man on Fire” (1987) was suggested. The clerk who suggested the film was Quentin Tarantino.
For filming in Mexico, bodyguards were provided for the stars. Tony Scott had been warned his production had been targeted. Several crew members ended up being robbed at gunpoint. Mexico City’s Chief of Police served as a consultant. It was his hope the movie would raise awareness about the rash of kidnappings.
The novel takes place in Italy, but when this version was being made, Mexico had become infamous for kidnappings. So the location was changed.
If you enjoy noir, then Man on Fire is for you.
Dakota Fanning is amazing in this role. Watching her and Denzel Washington in their scenes is like viewing a masterclass of acting.
Christopher Walken has a great line when he says about Denzel’s character: “A man can be an artist… in anything, food, whatever. It depends on how good he is at it. Creasy’s art is death. He’s about to paint his masterpiece.”
Man on Fire (2004) rates 5 of 5 stars.