Gemini Man (2019)
A great premise with lackluster results.
I was rather thrilled when I heard the concept of Ang Lee’s newest film, Gemini Man. I thought the idea of old Will Smith being hunted by young Will Smith was a compelling idea that would make use of the extensive technology we have available to us today. Though we’ve seen action movies before with similar plot lines, I was certain they would be nothing quite like this one. We’ve had films about clones before but I was sure we would experience something new and exciting with the visionary director’s interpretation.
But about ten minutes in, I was trying to rewrite the film.
The opening scene was enjoyable and powerful to me. I loved how they were able to set up so much of the film — show the skill, age, frustration, and exhaustion felt by the main character — without saying many words at all. But then the mission was over and the exposition began. There was just so much talking. They spelled out the entire plot, motivation, and desire of the character, leaving nothing up to the viewer’s imagination. Everything was spoon-fed to the audience. And that’s where they lost me.
Their world-building was so uncreative and it wasn’t even that complicated of a setup. I was waiting for there to be some added layer of complexity that warranted all of the talking and exposition, but one never came. They…
