Knowing…..Science Nic-tion

I’ve kept a keen eye on the directorial career of fellow Aussie Alex Proyas. He’s the kind of guy that keeps teasing us with potential greatness but somehow just falling short. The Crow, Dark City and I,Robot are all films I’d rate as “good” without being “great” (Dark City came closest). I know I’m not the only one who feels Proyas is on the brink of making a truly brilliant science fiction film. Unfortunately, Knowing isn’t it.

First mistake: Nic Cage. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of Nic. Who couldn’t love at least one of his many roles? Call me a film snob if you will, but I’m definitely more into the Adaptation/Leaving Las Vegas/Vampire’s Kiss Nic Cage than the Con Air/Wicker Man/Face-Off Nic Cage. I know he’s somehow fooled the world into thinking he is your go-to guy for big event action films these days, but I still see him as a serious and hugely talented actor, and have always been kinda bummed that he keeps choosing these generic action roles.

Nic does nothing wrong in Knowing. Infact, he delivers a steady performance, but I just feel this film could have used someone else. Maybe someone who doesn’t carry Nic’s recent “Action Hero” baggage. Someone still relatively bankable, but a bit less predictable…say, Viggo Mortensen for example. I just think that sort of choice would have really set Knowing apart.

The truth is, Knowing is a completely watchable and entertaining film. Yes, it’s full of moments where your belief will most definitely have to be suspended, and there are one or two curious plot turns, but overall, this beast rises well above so many blockbusters being released lately.

Many are bitching and moaning about the ending. It certainly is a tad…”out there”…so to speak, but I have to say that I welcomed it. I was just glad it didn’t take the easy, safe route. While it did seem to hold some dubious religious underpinnings that I still haven’t quite got my head around, it nevertheless left me more satisfied than your typical “Nic Cage saves the day” ending we all expected.

As for Alex Proyas, I’m going to mark this one down as another near miss. I truly believe if he took a step back from “the system” and the pressures from studios to make his films slick and bankable, with big name stars and all the bells and whistles, he has the talent to come out with something memorable instead of something merely watchable.

I ain’t giving up on him just yet.