The Frozen Ground

The posters claimed with a lot of conviction that this is the best serial killer movie since Se7en.  A wise man once said, “Never judge a movie by its poster” – I am quite certain he was a victim of many an experience like The Frozen Ground.  I was looking forward to a serial killer movie that would blow my pants off for a really long time.  But it will take much more than TFG to displace the likes of Se7en.

TFG, now finds itself to a marketing concept called “Post Purchase Dissonance”.  A product should be marketed only to the extent of what it can deliver.  Promising in excess, more often than not, results in a situation where the consumer is disappointed with the product.  Even if, the product was actually not all that bad to begin with.  It was just a matter of getting the expectations right and living upto them.

Set in the early 80s, TFG is the true story of Robert Hansen (John Cusack), a man who otherwise looks like a any of us.  Normal life.  Wife. 2 Kids.  Other than a case from nearly 15 years back where he was involved in a rape, his rap sheet is clean.  He runs a bakery in Anchorage, Alaska.  His otherwise unexciting life is going to come into the limelight thanks to 2 people – Cindy Paulson (Vanessa Hudgens) and Seargent Jack Halcombe (Nicholas Cage).

Cindy is a 17 year old prostitute who Hansen almost murdered.  She escapes and rushes to the cops.  No one believes her except the cop who finds her and is kind enough to mail the case details to Halcombe who sets after it with a purpose.  A few bodies are recovered across the province and Halcombe is convinced about Hansen being a serial killer.  But, there is no evidence.

Scott Walker, in his debut movie, does a commendable job otherwise.  There is a lot of attention to detail to ensure the setting resembles the 80s.  The desks & tables, the telephones, the answering machine and of course the costumes and cars.  Full points there. The story and script are slow and very dialogue intensive but carefully written to ensure little or no holes.

On the acting front, most of you who read my blog regularly would be aware of my sentiments on Nicholas Cage.  I must say that in TFG, he has done a really solid job as Seargent Halcombe.  He is intense and committed – aspects that would have been associated with Halcombe for sure.  How else, can a person chase a suspect for crimes committed over 15 years.

The disappointing aspects are however, the reduction of John Cusack’s role to bits and pieces.  One that he does well but there could have been more emphasis.  Also, the pace leaves a lot to be desired.  One has to really stay glued to the screen to ensure a complete understanding and appreciation of the story.  With these in mind, I am going to settle for a 6.5 on 10.  Could have been better but not bad for a first attempt from Scott Walker.

Watch the trailer on http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3158550041/?ref_=tt_ov_vi