Answer: He Inherit (ed) the Viper.
Around 15+ years ago, he was being touted about as being one of those Next Big Hollywood Things. But he seemed to keep choosing the wrong "star vehicles" (E. G. Hollywood Homicide), whilst truth be told, arguably lacking a bit in the charisma department and then appeared to depart mainstream cinema.
To my surprise he bobs up in this independent production and in my opinion is one of the best reasons to see it. Based on his work in Inherit the Viper, his future lies best, in seeking out more character - based roles, rather than star turns as a leading man.
Inherit the Viper is by no means a great film. It's a slow - burning rural noir piece, that doesn't particularly feature any really pleasant characters. Hartnett, playing Kip, the oldest of a trio of siblings with a family history of trafficking in prescription drugs, plays (arguably again), the nicest of a bad bunch. He'd really like to escape the drug trade, but family pressures, combined with a lack of employment opportunities, keep conspiring against him.
At 85 minutes running time, Inherit the Viper is by no means a lengthy film, but here's the thing; it feels longer. The pace is somewhat languid. The script, whilst lacking a certain amount of exposition in some areas, (Was it ever really made clear, what Bruce Dern's character had to do with the Conley family?) does set up an acceptably realistic twist in the denouement, that I have to admit, I didn't see coming and therefore enjoyed it, that much more. The acting is more than acceptable, with Hartnett, as mentioned, the stand - out.
Kudos to Anthony Jerjen, in his feature directorial debut, for trying something a little different. Inherit the Viper is not going to blow your socks off, and don't expect any action set pieces. But for those prepared to hang around, there is an interesting conclusion and a fine, understated performance from Hartnett, which kind of holds everything else together.
