You see Neeson struggling to regain his memories and can tell by the way he is acting and how he gradually transforms with every bit and piece of information he recovers and the other actor's just stay shallow at best. What's more the movie... has so many inconsistencies and plotholes that it get's really painful to follow, not to mention that the use of Berlin as location is an insult to anyone who knows the city a bit, even as a tourist.
The constant recurrence of plot elements and storytelling superstructures, like car chases and repeated trashing of taxis is just plain horrible to watch. The score is forgetful, not a single memorable tune. The camera is average, nothing special, a lot of camera trims and bends. The editing uses a lot of rough cuts, distuingishing scenes is very hard.
Also the image of Berlin this movie conrfonts us with is really saying nothing. It's the mere scene for the movie, nothing more, which also explains the sloppy incorporation of the city's geography. It could be just about any place in the world, even though the use of Hotel Adlon and other landmarks wants us to think different.
One more or less positive thing, however is the incorporation of unreliable narration which presents us with a couple of surprises and even a big one in the end, although even "Stage Fright" (1950) as one of the pioneers in that field did a lot better.
So, what do we have, let's sum up. An okay story, with a convincing leading act, but sloppy and forgetful side characters, an unimportant score, overuse of schematas and a cardboard-use of Berlin. Even though it was quite okay while it lasted, there's not much that withstands even the sketchiest examination.
An okay 5 out of 10.
The constant recurrence of plot elements and storytelling superstructures, like car chases and repeated trashing of taxis is just plain horrible to watch. The score is forgetful, not a single memorable tune. The camera is average, nothing special, a lot of camera trims and bends. The editing uses a lot of rough cuts, distuingishing scenes is very hard.
Also the image of Berlin this movie conrfonts us with is really saying nothing. It's the mere scene for the movie, nothing more, which also explains the sloppy incorporation of the city's geography. It could be just about any place in the world, even though the use of Hotel Adlon and other landmarks wants us to think different.
One more or less positive thing, however is the incorporation of unreliable narration which presents us with a couple of surprises and even a big one in the end, although even "Stage Fright" (1950) as one of the pioneers in that field did a lot better.
So, what do we have, let's sum up. An okay story, with a convincing leading act, but sloppy and forgetful side characters, an unimportant score, overuse of schematas and a cardboard-use of Berlin. Even though it was quite okay while it lasted, there's not much that withstands even the sketchiest examination.
An okay 5 out of 10.
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