Knox Goes Away

Knox Goes Away

A contract killer, after being diagnosed with a fast-moving form of dementia, is presented with the opportunity to redeem himself by saving the life of his estranged adult son. But to do so, he must race against the police closing in on him as well as the ticking clock of his own rapidly deteriorating mind.

  • Released:
  • Runtime: 114 minutes
  • Genre: Crime, Thrillers
  • Stars: Joanna Kulig, Marcia Gay Harden, Michael Keaton, Lela Loren, Ray McKinnon, Suzy Nakamura, Al Pacino, John Hoogenakker, James Marsden, Chad Donella
  • Director: Michael Keaton
 Comments
  • urthpainter - 10 June 2024
    Keaton Strikes Again
    When watching movies across many era's, certain actors stand out more than others. It requires excellence across many projects, and due to the rich history of film, there are a lot of names on this list. Some obvious classic names are Bogart, Grant, Steward and Hepburn, Kelly, Bergman - and I think the further one goes back (within reason), the easier it is to identify these exceptional, stand out performers. But they exist in every era, and to finally come around to my point Michael Keaton is one of these great performers in the modern era.

    Worth mentioning that the great performance in Knox Goes Away is also Keaton's direction debut - though I'm sure Keaton understands more about direction at this point than many of the film makers he's worked with, just due to his work within the media.

    Knox Goes Away is about a hardened, professional criminal at the end of his prime. He would be able to still do his job if it weren't for a rare condition revealing itself as a rapidly deteriorating mind. Knox (Keaton's character) has enough self awareness to see his fate coming, and takes steps to resolve his life the best he can. But surprise! A desperate family situation arrives at his doorstep - making his plan to resolve things even more complex, and ultimately? His last great challenge to perform.

    The greatness of this film is all Keaton's performance and his character's context. There's a tragic nature to the main character and his situation that as a viewer? Made me want him to succeed. I also wanted to know more about the main character, his past, and how he ended up choosing his line of work when he is portrayed as having so much intelligence and merit.

    It's a really good movie. The lead is a complicated character, who is put in an impossible situation, and chooses to face the situation head on. Side characters are acceptable with Al Pacino probably being the most colorful and interesting in his few scenes. I'd say my favorite part of Knox Goes Away, besides Keaton, is a strong third act and satisfying ending, which so few films seem to have.

    My biggest critique would be film pacing, which isn't bad, but would be a signifier of early directorial effort. I'd say the same about the camera work, which isn't Keaton, obviously the DP - but the director leads the DP, and the shots, while useful and fine, lack artistic finesse of a seasoned film maker. Lastly, most of the story elements and characters are cliche, and have a by the numbers scripting approach. I fully respected the straight continuity, and lack of script 'tricks'. It's not a movie that tries to hide anything, but also doesn't take too many chances.

    I would say a must watch for fans of Keaton. Also a strong recommendation for fans of crime drama cinema with noir elements.
  • LordSun - 15 May 2024
    Just 3 words
    "Its brilliantly done". The story was solid, with fewer plot-holes, acting and direction was brilliant. The Birdman/ Batman/ Vultureman delivered again. Keaton and Marsden were casted right. If Pacino wasn't there only 4 other actors may had the chance to pull Xavier, it was extremely complex character. And Actors that may pulled it off, are Sir Hopkins, Mr. De Niro, Sir Mckellen or Mr. Gibson. I do not think Xavir's character was a child's play and Mr. Pacino doesn't do child's play.

    I always considered Keaton as a great actor now I see him as the next Eastwood. I am sure I will not be disappointed as long as the writers and castors do it right.
  • cjonesas - 27 April 2024
    [7.5+] When you only have weeks left
    A superb dramatic movie, more a drama than a thriller. One of the best acting by the talented, flexible and universal actor that Michael Keaton is.

    The movie is raw, emotional and very well-made, having awesome vibe and flow on its own script terms. Nothing is clogged, drawn out and dragged. Sure, the logic is not on par, but it has a better one than most productions.

    Knox's fast-evolving issues, on a weekly basis, felt real and were very saddening on medical terms and viewpoints, while we were offered graceful and thrilling dramatic developments up to the end.

    A special note to James Marsden believable acting and the detectives, especially Detective Emily Ikari who really gave embodiment to her tasked duty.

    • Screenplay/storyline/plots: 6.5
    • Production value/impact: 7.5
    • Development: 8
    • Realism: 7.5
    • Entertainment: 8
    • Acting: 8
    • Filming/photography/cinematography: 7
    • VFX: 8
    • Music/score/sound: 8
    • Depth: 7
    • Logic: 6
    • Flow: 8
    • Thriller: 7
    • Ending: 8.