Every corner of THE SALVATION is steeped in Western Cowboy flavour.
Director: Kristian Levring
Starring: Mads Mikkelsen, Eva Green, Eric Cantona, Jeffrey Morgan
Running time: 92 minutes
Certificate: 15
Release Date: 17th April 2015
There seems to be a distinct shortage of archetypal Wild West style action films in modern mainstream cinema. DJANGO may have been a resounding success; however its sleek quintessential Tarantino sheen seemed to place it into more of an action based shoot ‘em up genre, than a traditional cowboy one. THE SALVATION is, what seems to be, a classic western picture from Danish director Kristian Levring. Based in 1870s America the film tells the story of two brothers seeking a quiet life, only to have it shattered by a gang containing a posy of ruthless thugs, one of which happens to be former Man Utd striker, Eric Cantona.
The opening scene breathes the ruthless sense of brutality into the film’s tone and creates a tension that is edge of your seat wince-inducing. After being reunited with his family Jon, played by Mads Mikkelsen, is forced to battle against two thugs in a claustrophobically small wagon, after they attack his wife and son. The action subsequently revolves around the revelation that one of the attacker’s brothers is the leader of a cold-blooded gang, and is now after revenge for Jon’s violent actions.
Every corner of THE SALVATION is steeped in Western Cowboy flavour. The full cast are pumped up to the limit with brooding masculinity, there’s more ominous stares than Madonna can even fall over. Jeffrey Morgan stomps his way around the screen as the villain, Delarue, with such fierce intimidation that even members of the audience will feel the need to move. Although Eric Cantona will take many of the talking points with his celebrity profile, he does struggle to establish himself on screen, no doubt not helped by his distinct lack of dialogue. Although the Frenchman may yet have a successful acting career, there will a few giggles in the screen whenever his overly angry face came on screen.
Mads Mikkelsen provides the perfect balance to the destructive Delarue, as his understated burning aggression is always simmering just under the surface, waiting to erupt. The clashes between the men are one of the most watchable parts of the film, and provide the audience with several showdowns that are up there with some of the classics. The mysteriously dark mute Madelaine, played by Eva Green, helps to boost the sense of impending doom, as her lack of speech means the audience truly know what she’s thinking.
Although THE SALVATION follows a truly traditional western film ideology, there is also an unapologetic level of gruesomeness that would seemingly be more appropriate in a slasher flick. This gruesome edge means that the viewer can never relax and is always kept on their edge of their seat, in an almost GAME OF THRONES style. It’s amazing to think the film managed to grab just a 15 rating with the amount of brutal scenes on display.
It’s strangely refreshing to see such a classic film on the big screen, oxymoronic I know. Some may say that the characters are too two-dimensional and the plot doesn’t have enough twists, compared to modern film, however I believe this is what makes the film so watchable. The characters are engaging enough to make you detest and care about them, whilst the plot is brutal enough to make the audience enjoy the blistering ride. THE SALVATION may not push boundaries or change the genre, but it’s still a hell of a film.
Verdict
