CS Weekly Archive > Weekend Read > 11/15/05

Jumping the Tracks of
Characterization

By deirdre mcgill

Derailed

Stuart Beattie
Based on the novel by James Siegel

If only Stuart Beattie's script for Derailed had hitched its focus on the sensuality of the characterization as well as the violent situations at hand, this thriller could have hit the tracks at just the right speed. It's a good set-up: the friendship between fellow train riders Lucinda Harris (Jennifer Aniston) and Charles Schine (Clive Owen) turns romantic and they sneak off for a tryst in a sleazy hotel room, only to have a violent intruder (Vincent Cassel) burst into their room. The bizarre and terrifying attack that follows -- so crucial to creating the story's atmosphere -- should be a pivotal plot device to bond this unlikely trio, but instead it's a watered-down event that robs the complicated story of its pulse. There are many wasted opportunities to enrich the characters, and we don't understand their psyche, or any motive for the emotional sadism perpetuated on Charles (which could have been a very interesting subtext that kept us looking for more action). By the last act suspense has dissipated into apathy and everything becomes predictable, including a final twist any amateur sleuth (or moviegoer) can see coming from two blocks away. Sadly, in terms of characterization, Derailed lives up to its name.

Derailed
The Weinstein Company
Rated R; 106 min.

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Deirdre McGill is a graduate of Connecticut College and California State University with degrees in English, theatre arts, and education. She is a professional singer/actress/playwright and the author of the screenplay Envy.

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