Man on the Train

I had no idea what to expect - I was sitting around checking out the new cable TV offerings and this came up. I was immediately caught up in this wacky little story (the path not taken, trading places, etc.). It's very low key for sure but that's a refreshing change of pace as far as I am concerned. The professor was a bit overly quirky (the nutty professor?) but still, if you accept it, it makes the movie that much more enjoyable.

I did not know that the "thief" was a U2 member - and I am glad I didn't know - I may have pre-judged the performance. I thought he was terrific - his character had fewer lines than Southerland but he definitely has an on screen presence that is engaging (I thought he must be some stage actor transitioning to movies because I'd never seen him before and I do see a lot of movies).

I am surprised to see negative reviews. Yes, the ending was a bit confusing but then it all comes together. One of the more interesting movies I've seen in a quite a while. Worth watching for sure.

I loved this wonderful peaceful movie and can't understand why it has only 5.7 rate by IMDb reviewers. A simple and sensible story (by the way, don't forget that's a remake of a french title). Nowadays, I really enjoy watching movies like this because I'm tired of all those commercial, predictable, boring American movies. The film was produced with very limited resources but with heart and intention. It's one of those who at least makes us think and has not a boring final battle between good and evil. It is wonderful to find a movie that does a lot with so little. Donald Sutherland and Larry Mullen are both great and the simple music is effective and contributes to the intimate atmosphere.

A mysterious quiet man (Larry Mullen Jr.) arrives in the small town on a train. A poetry professor (Donald Sutherland) befriends the stranger and even takes him into his home. The man is in town to rob a bank with Sado (Graham Greene), Loco (Tony Nardi), and Max (Carlo Rota). He and the professor get to know each other as they discuss everything.

Mullen is playing the strong silent type and he does it with his stone face. Meanwhile Donald Sutherland is going off. He's acting for all he's worth with all his experience in tow. I don't see much in this performance for Mullen other than a lifetime of playing thugs with really short lines or playing in a really successful band. He should probably stick to the band. Sutherland is giving a lot here but Mullen isn't returning much. He has a flat monotone voice and stiff facial expressions. Although U2 fans may disagree vehemently. I saw the 2002 french movie, and I liked it for its attempt at a different kind of crime caper but I didn't love it. I have even less love for this one.

Donald Sutherland is a retired professor of poetry living alone in a large Victorian house, listening to Schubert in most of his spare time. He meets a stranger, played by Larry Mullen, Jr.(yes, it is the drummer of the Irish rock band U2), a criminal type who is the complete opposite of the professor.

Mr. Mullen can definitely give up his day job, he is the cinematic acting discovery of the year. His style is that of James Dean in "Rebel Without A Cause" or Martin Sheen in "Badlands," and he matches the veteran Sutherland in scene after scene. The two are terrific together. Mullen possesses a natural, charismatic charm.

A major problem is the soundtrack, which frequently features a piano in the background at a volume clashing with the actors' lines; at times I was wishing for subtitles.

The professor and the stranger with no name ponder each others lives, contemplating the paths they have chosen, a universal theme we can all relate to. The two leads keep it moving along and make it worthwhile.

The cliche is that one would listen to a beloved actor even reading the phone book, if only to hear their voice. Well, even though I absolutely adore Donald Sutherland and am aware that he will never make another movie --- being favourably disposed to these points as well as the fact that it is set and was filmed (rather nicely) in Canada --- incredibly, I had to stop watching. The dialogue is awful! Unrealistically literary, stilted, stupendously cringeworthy, unbearable. In fact, Sutherland's all-in pro delivery makes it even more regrettable. On the plus side, Brik's character is hilarious, and Greene is good as always.