The Commissioner (1998)

hyped garbage

Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

How wonderful it is to see this fine actress carry a film and carry it so beautifully.

I had my finger on the fast-forward button while watching this, as I expected this to be a boring and mediocre political thriller and I'm not that very interested in politics. But what a surprise! It turned out to be a smart and very intelligent movie, with a realistic and intriguing story! Although lots of actions happen, on a very high tempo, the story always remains clear and comprehensible. John Hurt was extremely strong, the photography was nice and the camera-work effective. I also liked the music very much, it certainly contributed tot the tension in the film. I think it's great the way George Sluizer made this movie with possibly not that much money.

For me, this is one of those films that you start watching and half an hour later, wonder if you should watch or do something else. But I stuck with and found it "so-so" viewing. John Hurt played his role well as did Mueller-Stahl (he was great in "Shine"). The plot takes a few unexpected twists that I did not foresee. However, what disappointed me was the predictability of some parts of the story (e.g. the fate of some characters), the superficiality of some of the characters' interrelationships, and the generally cheap look and feel of the production. A pet hate was the stereotyped Texan businessman in a Stetson - also poorly acted. The movie lacked a certain flow and left some issues hanging unnecessarily. Anyway, see for yourself.

The Commissioner is a great film starring John Hurt as the British Commissioner of Industry in the EU. His acting as usual is intensely engrossing as Commissioner Morton uncovers industrial corruption on a grand scale. But wait, which company is the most corrupt? And who is responsible for all the killings? Is Armin Mueller-Stahl really a company man who came in from the cold? Complex plot with many twists, and if you can follow it you have my admiration.But at heart this film's significance lies in its forceful stance against big industry. You'll never question the validity of the WTO protestors again.

This film makes a change in that it is about The European Community instead of one particular political party or country. An embittered out-of-favour British politician (played by John Hurt) is banished to Brussels, as Britain's European Commissioner for Industry, which he believes, will be terribly dull. But then after a tip off about criminal activities by an employee of a top European chemical company, who tells the commissioner that they are also manufacturing nerve and biological warfare agents. From there all the intrigue and double crossing of both friends and enemies starts and does not stop even at the end of this political thriller. This is the best part I have seen John Hurt play for a very long time and as the commissioner he is very convincing. The films only problems are it is a bit drawn out and it is one of those films that leaves you guessing at the end as to what really happened. Will there be a sequel to put our minds at rest? My recommendation is well worth watching and out of 10 I would give it 7.( JNW ) John N. Wainwright. [email protected]