Director: Peter Berg
Starring: J.K. Simmons, John Goodman and Mark Wahlberg
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actors in Hollywood are as beloved today as J.K. Simmons. Ever since his rise to fame in the 1990’s, Simmons has become a celebrate icon. Whether it’s jazz instructors, news reporters or worried fathers, Simmons has portrayed several compelling characters. Arguably, Simmons’ greatest strength as an actor has always been his powerful presence. He is one of those actors that has always had the aptitude for stealing a show in supporting roles with limited screen-time. Even when he is not the main focus of the movie, Simmons has always left a lasting impression. Although he is best known for his role iconic role as J. Jonah Jameson in the Spider-Man movies, Simmons has proven he can thrive in every single genre. Throughout his enduring career, Simmons has made many memorable movies which are truly worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Simmons and admire all the movies he has made in his career. However, “Patriot’s Day” is my favourite. Released in 2016, Peter Berg’s movie offered a powerful portrayal of the Boston Marathon Bombings. Packed with breathtaking production-design, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the finest movies ever made about terrorism. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by J.K. Simmons, who embodies a police officer seeking to resolve a bombing. Ultimately, what makes “Patriot’s Day” a true masterpiece is its appeal. Unlike most movies about bombings, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. A captivating drama about terrorism, there are several reasons why “Patriot’s Day” is a commemorated movie that is worth watching.
Set in Boston, “Patriot’s Day” tells the story of bombings that come with a heavy price to pay. J.K. Simmons portrays Sgt. Jeffrey Pugliese, a dedicated police officer that has always done his best to resolve crime in his neighbourhood. Accompanied by partner Sgt. Saunders (Mark Wahlberg), Pugliese has always attempted to resolve crimes with dedication. However, Sgt. Pugliese’s efforts are threatened when his city faced a bombing disaster. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Pugliese questions whether it’s possible to resolve a grim bombing disaster. Facing a dilemma, Pugliese questions whether it’s possible for him to cope with tense terrorism in America. Realizing consequences of a bombing, Pugliese wonders whether it is possible to accomplish the goals which he has been pursuing.
Peter Berg has often been fascinated with the themes of terrorism. An exceptional filmmaker, Berg has often made engaging movies about war disaster. His iconic movie “Lone Survivor” captured the lives of soldiers experiencing war disaster. With “Patriot’s Day”, however, Berg made his first ever bombing drama. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture bombings causing individuals to face adversities but he succeeded tremendously. Using breathtaking cinematography, Berg captures a frightening bombing tragedy causing adversity. Emulating John McTiernan’s “Die Hard”, Berg effectively uses handheld camera to capture the lives of police officers forced to work hard. Berg deftly uses handheld camera to capture the tensions that are caused by bombings that lead people to face a dilemma. For instance, the handheld camerawork elevates the bomb scene. During this haunting scene, Sgt. Pugliese witnesses a bombing causing his city to endure adversities. Through handheld camera, Berg pays homage to a bombing in America. Handheld camera is a complex technique. As Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man” proved, handheld camera often elevates comic-book films. Nevertheless, it works well in this film. Using stunning visuals, Berg captures a bombing.
Another admirable aspect of “Patriot’s Day” that deserves appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made. Berg effectively uses sound design to illustrate bombings which cause lives to decline. For instance, sound-design enhances the bombing consequence scene. During this unforgettable scene, Sgt. Pugliese faces tensions as he attempts to resolve the shattered pieces of a bombing. Using sound-design, Berg crafts a portrait of bombings that’s compelling. Moreover, the musical actor is magnificent. Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross’ music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere capturing the burden that individuals in bombings bear. Using captivating production, Berg captures terrorism tension.
Storytelling is one of the central reasons why “Patriots Day” is a film about terrorism that’s compelling. The film is beautifully written, and effectively employs silence to capture terrorist violence. For instance, silence enhances the bombing reflection scene. During this haunting scene, Sgt. Pugliese and his colleagues seek to deal with the trauma caused by bombings. Through silence, Berg constructs a portrait of terrorism that audiences can easily relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in movies. Clint Eastwood’s “Juror #2” suggested silence enhances courtroom films. As Jason Reitman’s “Juno” demonstrated, silence enhances commemorated films about unintended pregnancy. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Using a strong screenplay, Berg conveys bombings that come with a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
J.K. Simmons delivers one of his finest career performances as Sgt. Pugliese. Simmons first achieved praise for playing reporters in comic-book films. With “Patriot’s Day”, however, the actor took on his most tricky role. It isn’t easy to portray a CIA officer seeking to resolve grim terrorist tragedy but he succeeded immensely. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him in the past before: intense, charismatic and truly emotional in his most iconic role. With intense expressions, he captures the angst, fury and courage of a CIA officer seeking to resolve a terrorism tragedy. It’s a powerful performance from one of the most commemorated actors in Hollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for J.K. Simmons, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of appreciations. Mark Wahlberg is marvellous, capturing the bravery of a CIA officer that seeks to overcome dark bombings leaving a big mark. John Goodman is superb, capturing dedication of a sergeant seeking to resolve a terrorism attack causing tension. Lastly, Kevin Bacon merits praise. As a police officer, he brings heartfelt emotion to the movie.
Finally, “Patriot’s Day” would earn recognition of everyone for capturing big bombings which come with a price to pay. Unlike most movies about terrorism, it tackles strong themes that everyone will relate to. It discusses themes of ambition, dedication and trauma which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with themes of terrorism to enjoy it. It delivers a profound message about terrorism that would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Patriot’s Day” is one of those rare films about terrorism everyone would adore.
Fans of J.K. Simmons would absolutely enjoy “Patriot’s Day” and so would movie-goers that seek exhilarating entertainment. A captivating terrorism drama, it celebrates an iconic actor with charisma.
Nearly a decade following the release of a groundbreaking film about bombings that came with a painful price to pay, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor that has earned a huge fan following for his abilities to portray compelling characters in unforgettable movies which are worth celebrating today.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 