Emmett's Mark (2002)
If "Emmett's Mark" were a house,
it would be like one built by Frank Lloyd Wright.
From the outside, it would almost seem to defy logic,
defy the rules, defy gravity. But it would be one
of the most interesting and unique buildings one could
find. And, even though it defied the rules of architecture,
it would be a solid and sound structure.
All script's are built on a foundation,
a house of cards, if you will. If one of the supports
of that foundation is lacking, or implausible, it
can often ruin the entire structure. "Emmett's Mark"
is built around one highly unlikely, highly suspect
foundation. And yet the film is a success because
it has a strong structure, a unique fusion of stories
that combine to be much more than a sum of the parts.
It's difficult to discuss the film
without giving too much away. The plot here, with
the exception of the one tired device used to propel
it's initiation, is engrossing and interesting. The
film has several storylines going on at once and yet
they all revolve around, and relate to, the titular
Emmett. What's unique about Keith Snyder's script
(he also directed here, making his debut in both realms)
is that it has several seeming climaxes. When one
divergent piece of the storyline is solved, we think
that this will be the end of the movie. But Snyder
is a wonderful screenwriter and he knows what the
true story here is. We don't realize what it is until
exactly the end of the movie, but he does. This is
a really well-written and unique script. It sets Snyder
up, as a writer anyway, to be the next Christopher
Nolan, yet does not borrow or riff off of that more
renown writer/director.
The first thing you notice about...
Okay, the first thing you see in the film is a set-up
which foreshadows the coming tired plot device. Perhaps
Snyder is wise to telegraph where his story is going
because it is such a cliche that we see it coming
almost from frame one. Perhaps, because he is such
an awesome writer, he knows that his "house" has this
one seeming weak support. Rather than try to fool
us by diverting our attention away from this glaring
threadbare eyesore, he decides to open us up to it
from frame one.
Anyway, the second thing you notice
about "Emmett's Mark" is that it has Scott Wolf in
it. When you begin to watch the film, if you know
nothing at all about it, the first thing your inner
voice will say to you is, "Is that Scott Wolf from
TV's 'Party of Five?'" It is. Wolf is fantastic here.
Snyder must have gotten a pretty decent budget together
for the film, and perhaps he has some friends in the
biz as well, because there are several well-known
actors here. Hell, there's even a cameo by Harvey
Keitel.
Regardless, Wolf is the real star
here and he does a fantastic job. This is a film that
could establish him as a film actor of note. I have
no doubt that this film will get seen and that Wolf
will end up being highly rewarded for his work here.
He does an excellent job.
Also in the film are stalwarts like
Gabriel Byrne and Tim Roth. Both of them also do the
kind of bang-up jobs that we've come to expect from
them. Roth, in particular, gets to sink his teeth
into a meaty role. It's about time too. He's been
in some real stinkers lately. Also of note is Khandi
Alexander, of TV's "CSI Miami" and perhaps better
known as the African-American news anchor on TV's
"News Radio." We recognize her immediately but keep
asking ourselves who she is. She really does a nice
job here. Her chemistry with Wolf, which is not sexual
in any way, is awesome.
"Emmett's Mark" has some problems.
The film lacks a visual panache. Snyder works wonders
with plot and script and even dialogue, it's true.
He also casts and directs his actors in a nearly flawless
manner. But the film often looks like a made-for-cable
affair. There's very little grit here and no real
stunning visuals. Occasionally, Snyder has an interesting
cinematic moment, like when Wolf has a nosebleed,
but mainly his most vibrant work is in other areas.
He needs a better production designer (and perhaps
more budget).
Also, the score here is just dreadful.
It is one of those wannabee crime drama things that
is neither interesting or unique. Like Snyder's visuals,
it often sinks into the realm of TV type fare. Steve
Porcaro, you know, of Toto, has done several scores
for movies but his work here just doesn't play out
well. It's glaringly unoriginal and dull.
But flaws aside, "Emmett's Mark"
is one of the most interesting, most well written
plots you will see this year. And the film also has
some really good acting. This isn't just for Scott
Wolf groupies. This is a film that will keep you involved.
Notes:
Filmed in Philadelphia.
Snyder has only one other credit
listed at imdb.com. He acted in "Dead Poet's Society."
