Genre: Intrigue/Mystery, Comedy, Drama, Thriller
Story Line: Low tech usually wins meets when meeting high tech in this lighthearted caper about computers, cryptology, espionage, and secrets.
Donal Logue as Dr. Gunter Janek
Lee Garlington as Dr.
Elena Rhyzkov
Stephen Tobolowsky as Dr. Werner Brandes
The movie starts with the opening titles, which are clever, appropriate, and non-flashy, foreshadowing the movie that follows. This is a movie for scrabble and cryptology buffs who are willing for a story to unfold in mystery and smart humor.
With so many high tech flashy thrillers, it s a delight to see a blend of high tech and low tech, with mostly the low tech approach proving to be more effective for the heroes. Sneakers displays lots of gizmos, many of which were well-researched for the time. While some may seem outdated today, they are no less believable and actually add authenticity as sometimes happens with good period films.
In black and white, the first scene in the movie takes place in 1969, shown as a flashback with a very nice transition to the present (1992). Most of the primary characters show up in the first scenes, with brief visual introductions followed soon with further details. What follows is an intricately plotted story, filled with misdirection to keep the audience as off balance as the sneakers.
The term sneakers in this context means a team of diversely skilled persons who can sneak through security systems. A more common term these days is hackers although many hackers work alone, and the term sneakers is applied to teams who break systems and codes.
The box everyone is seeking is a , although one that is probably more carefully developed than Alfred Hitchcock had in mind when he identified plot ploys as McGuffins.
Generally, Hitchcock considered a McGuffin meaningless. However, I like the concept of the McGuffin because it helps the audience to let go of the idea that they must understand all the details before enjoying the film.
The team of sneakers in Sneakers has worked together for a long time.
Economy of dialogue clearly demonstrate the long-term relationships within this team. They have their tiffs and their short hand. And they invite you into their inner circle.
Sometimes you ll be ahead of them in what you know, sometimes you ll be behind them.
The musical score is an eclectic mix of music which might possibly seem unimaginative if listened to apart from the film. But as a part of this film, the music advances and retreats at the perfect places to reinforce the movement of the characters through the story.
James Horner has carefully selected music and scored for the movie that is, in my opinion, spot on.
There s one scene of violence, although appropriate, quick, and not gory or overplayed. I like that our main character winces.
Check out the . It has several special features, including an audio commentary by the three writers, who explain they worked together on the script for ten years. Yes, in the interim, they also wrote, directed, and produced other films.
I m certainly glad they that didn t give up!
Come to think of it, it s one of the most engaging and appealing of all my favorites. It has a wonderful blend of drama, mystery, intrigue and smart humor. And now, knowing essentially every nuance of the film, I still find it engaging.
Copyright 2006 Marshall House, Jeanie Marshall, Empowerment Consultant and Coach with Marshall House, produces Guided Meditations on CD albums and MP3 downloads and writes extensively on subjects related to personal development and empowerment.
News RSS