Man on Fire is a 2004 action thriller film directed by Tony Scott from a screenplay by Brian Helgeland, and based on the 1980 novel of the same name by A. J. Quinnell.
The film stars Denzel Washington as John Creasy, a despondent, alcoholic former CIA SAD/SOG officer who becomes a bodyguard for a young girl in Mexico City. When the girl is kidnapped, Creasy seeks revenge on those responsible.
Themes & Reception
Man on Fire explores themes of revenge, redemption, and the consequences of violence. The film's emphasis on vigilante justice has been criticized, and some have pointed out that the underlying story is not worth the effort.
The film has been praised for its solid action and top-shelf cast, but criticized for its relentlessly grim story. The film's reception was mixed, with some critics praising its style and performances, while others criticized its violence and lack of depth.
The film has a rating of 39% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 168 reviews, with an average rating of 5.30/10. The consensus states, "Man on Fire's solid action and top-shelf cast are undone by a relentlessly grim story that gets harder to take the longer it goes on."
On Metacritic, the film has a score of 47 out of 100 based on 36 reviews, indicating "mixed or average reviews". A journal article author, Paul Davies, said that the critical reception to "Man on Fire" in the United States was "somewhat less than kind".
Visual Styles & Techniques
Man on Fire is known for its distinct visual style and creative techniques. Director Tony Scott utilized a variety of techniques to create a unique look for the film, including cross-processing to heighten color and photo-chemical manipulation of the film stock.
The film's cinematography is visually stunning, effectively capturing the raw emotions and intensity of the story. The use of vibrant colors and unconventional camera angles adds to the overall cinematic experience.
The editing of the film plays a significant role in creating a fast-paced and engrossing narrative. The quick cuts and seamless transitions contribute to the film's energetic and thrilling atmosphere.
Scott's use of intense light streaming through curtains and Venetian blinds is a signature technique that can be seen in many of his films, including Man on Fire.
The film's music-video editing techniques also add to its energy. Overall, Man on Fire is a visually stunning film that showcases Tony Scott's unique style and creative techniques.
Settings
The setting of Man on Fire is Mexico City, where wealthy citizens are faced with the reality of having to hire bodyguards for their children due to the regularity with which they are kidnapped and held for ransom by thieves looking to make a nice, easy payday. The film explores the blurred lines between good and evil, presenting complex characters and moral dilemmas.
Overall, Man on Fireis a visually stunning film that showcases Tony Scott's unique style and creative techniques.
Full Cast
- Denzel Washington as John Creasy
- Dakota Fanning as Lupita Ramos
- Christopher Walken as Paul Rayburn
- Radha Mitchell as Lisa Ramos
- Marc Anthony as Samuel Ramos
- Giancarlo Giannini as Miguel Manzano
- Rachel Ticotin as Mariana Garcia Guerrero
- Mickey Rourke as Jordan Kalfus
Director: Tony Scott
Writer: Brian Helgeland
Box Office Gross: $130,834,852
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 21, 2004
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2013