Control
Sony Pictures
Availability: Now
Starring: Willem Dafoe and Ray Liotta
The Verdict: “Control” fails to yield power over audience.
Movie: 2 stars out of 4 stars
Extras; 2 stars out of 4 stars
Usually, a straight-to-DVD release doesn’t sound attractive, but when the film enlists two powerhouse actors like Willem Dafoe and Ray Liotta, curiosity kicks into overdrive.
Furthermore, a thought-provoking premise and indie credentials can turn the most jaded buff into a salivating dingo.
Yet as the eager filmwatcher’s mouth dries and anticipation wanes, “Control” just teases, never satisfying the craving for a wonderfully clever script, a duel between two A-list performers or some knockout direction from a newcomer.
Initially, Lee Ray (Liotta), a murderous convict awaiting execution, looks frightening. Nasty scars rest on his face, and dark tattoos permeate his body. Then another factor grabs the attentive: Lee Ray has a soul patch. The villain appears to be a decrepit Garth Brooks.
Anyway, a no-nonsense neuropharmacologist, Dr. Thomas Copeland (Dafoe), developed a behavioral drug that supposedly reduces violent urges in humans. Now Copeland wants Lee Ray as a new test subject. Despite knowledge of potentially fatal side effects, Lee Ray decides a lab rat’s position beats lethal injection, and the two embark on a pill-popping journey to scientific revolution.
If the pill works, that is.
Yes, after a juicy set-up like that, you might salivate like Pavlov’s dog. Unfortunately, “Control” does nothing to whet your appetite.
Apparently, when experimenting with a killer, the screenwriters thought executing the least amount of logic and procedure is the way to go.
Even more ridiculous, after releasing Lee Ray into society, Copeland stresses the importance of not stationing guards near the reformed murderer, for he wants nothing to influence Lee Ray’s behavior in the real-world setting. Yet the strict researcher gives his subject a ride home one night. Couldn’t a meeting with the doctor possibly alter Lee Ray’s behavior?
Moreover, a distracting subplot involving Copeland and his ex-wife lingers like an irritating neighbor who won’t go home, and the most of the action scenes rouse about as much excitement as a new Steely Dan single.
Though all is not lost. Although director Tim Hunter often loses sight of the more intriguing factors in “Control,” he paces his work fairly well. Hunter also pays special attention to one of Lee Ray’s victims, which gives his film more touching resonance.
Plus, nine times out of 10, the consistent and unusual Dafoe can entertain audiences amid the most wayward plot. Sure, Dafoe doesn’t top his best performance (“The Boondock Saints,” which is another direct-to-DVD movie, coincidentally), but his straightforward, determined and ambitious turn as Copeland happens to be the best reason to watch “Control.”
Too bad Liotta can’t match his worthy peer. At the beginning, Liotta tries too hard being bad, and his wicked laughs belong in the cheap, television movie realm of villainy. Fortunately, Liotta fares better when his character evolves into a compassionate and sane man even though the transformation strays from believability.
Naturally, the weakest link title goes to Michelle Rodriguez. She chokes every scene with a lack of conviction usually associated with catatonic schizos. What’s more, the chemistry between Rodriguez and Liotta is clearly inert.
Don’t expect too much from this let’s-cure-the-lunatic picture. To a dreadful extent, “Control” poses interesting questions and avoids every one of them. Thankfully, a twist arises before the finale, and even if it’s not surprising, it certainly complements the premise. Accept the fact that better releases exist, and catch Dafoe’s notable performance. Take “Control” and forget about what could have been.
Laughably, the DVD names film trailers as one of its bona-fide extras, but a 15-minute documentary explains the making of “Control.” Fittingly, when asked about director Tim Hunter, Dafoe first declares, “I’m trying to think of what’s distinctive about him.” Here’s a clue: nothing.