.45 (2006)

The opening credits of .45 do not give anything away at all. The credits starts rolling with no soundtrack and images. A dead silence is bestowed upon the theatre. But before you know it, wham, it hits you hard in between your eyes.

An image of Kat (Milla Jovovich) flashes on the screen. The camera pans so close to her face, it seems like you are having an intimate conversation with her. She seems friendly with you, too friendly for comfort actually, as she begins to talk about the size of her current squeeze’s anatomy. A series of jarring primitive lovemaking then interrupts her.

Her boyfriend, with an equally huge name and ego, is called Big Al (Angus Macfadyen). He made his name as the kingpin of the streets as a violent arms dealer. He is ruthless to everybody, even towards Kat. Yet, Kat is attracted to his devil-may-care attitude. Together, they are the Bonnie and Clyde of Hell’s Kitchen. But nothing lasts forever, even the most endearing relationship.

The attraction officially ends one day when Kat is at the receiving end of his punches. After the tormenting abuse, all Kat is left with is her freshly cut hair, a swollen and bloody left eye and a shattered heart. Not one to take things lying, Kat begins her ploy to make sure Big Al pays Big time. No she is not going to do him in, he deserves worst. But she is not going to do it herself. What are friends for? A web of deceit and seduction ensues.

It is interesting to see this new technique of ‘interviewing’ the characters throughout the movie. Bits and parts are scattered here and there and they accompanied the whole story telling process. Pay extra attention as the characters are slowly developed here. A brave move by the director, Gary Lennon, as not many moviegoers will appreciate this confusing story telling technique. However, the story is a huge let down. After leading the audience on for so long, the ending falls flat. And like a stack of dominoes, the absurd story causes the already limited pluses of this movie to fall too. The whole movie is being dragged into dark abyss and the only savior of the show is the chemistry between Macfadyen and Jovovich.

Macfadyen is convincing as a psychotic man. The ferocity in his eyes is hard to conceal, especially in scenes involving Jovovich. Jovovich, at times, looks really intimidated by his sheer presence. You will never know when Big Al is going to explode, and that is downright bloodcurdling. Being the more accomplished actor, it seems Macfadyen is leading Jovovich into her character. Credits must go to Jovovich too, she is still as stunning as before but what she really needs is a stunning movie, like The Fifth Element, one of her better movies.

Not a fan of Jovovich? Please keep away from this flick. However guys might want to watch it to learn a lesson or two. Don’t mess with the ladies, because hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

2.5
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