The Saint (1997) features three of my favorites things: a strong female character who just happens to be a blonde, a plot that deals with science (even if cold fusion isn't possible), and Val Kilmer. Well, at least two of my favorite things. Anyways, let's consider the first.
Too many films feature characters like those Sarah Silverman refers to as "wet blankets." Here, she is speaking about female characters that are randomly inserted into comedies, usually of the Judd Apatow variety, whose only purpose is to stymie the lives of the man-boys parading around the screen. Action films feature a similar cliche that I'll call "the warm body." Just listen to Captain Ellerby from The Departed (2006) explain:
ELLERBY: How is your wedding coming along?
SULLIVAN: Great, great; she's a doctor.
ELLERBY: That's outstanding.
SULLIVAN: Yeah
ELLERBY: Marriage is an important part of getting ahead; let's people know you not a homo; married guy seems stable; people see the ring, they think at least somebody can stand the son of a bitch; ladies see the ring, they know
immediately you must have some cash or your cock must work.
The Saint is successful in moving away from these hackneyed female characters. Emma Russell (Elisabeth Shue) is a quirky, romantic with a commanding presence. She doesn't just take up space; her role in the film is just as vital as Mr. Kilmer's. Their relationship is tense throughout the film, and their mutual mistrust adds a particularly humorous subtext to what could have been a more traditional courtship. It doesn't hurt that Shue is also drop dead gorgeous. I'm continuously amazed that she didn't become a bigger star.
Finally, there's cold fusion. After a rough time during the eighties, cold fusion got some respite in this film, just as viewers received a similar break from traditional action cliches. Don't get me wrong. This is an action film. It certainly has its fair share of explosions, but they aren't excessive, and they all serve to advance the narrative--a narrative focused on the possibilities of science.
P.S. Rade Serbedzija's portrayal of Ivan Tretiak is a prophetic rendering of Vladimir Putin.
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3 comments:
Good call man. I also have something of a soft spot in my heart for "The Saint". I typically enjoy Val Kilmer for some reason, and all the spy stuff, science, action, et al really does make it an entertaining film.
I have not seen "The Saint," but I share your interest in strong female characters (though I'll avoid accepting your obvious provocation with the Apatow reference). Why is it so hard to write for strong female characters? Is there a economic reason for this?
I don't know about the economics of it. Maybe studio just wont risk it. Many men feel threatened by it, and they are the key demographic. There are also probably not that many good scripts out there.
It's weird because films from the 40's and 50's all feature strong, intelligent women: Katharine Hepburn, Lauren Bacall, et cetera.
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