Silent Night

By Marc Primo

John Woo's latest film is a revenge thriller with a plot so predictable that one can envision the first multicellular organisms effortlessly transmitting an electrochemical version of it through osmosis. Surprisingly, it stands among Woo's finest works and ranks as one of the most exhilaratingly cinematic movies of the year. If there ever existed a film that exemplified the notion that storytelling holds greater significance than the actual narrative, this would be it.

The film, "Silent Night," takes place during Christmas when a tragic incident occurs. The main couple, portrayed by Joel Kinnaman and Catalina Sandino Moreno, experience the heartbreaking loss of their only son due to a stray bullet fired during a confrontation between rival gang members driving through their neighborhood. However, it is important to note that the title of the movie, "Silent Night," does not directly relate to the holiday carol of the same name. Rather, it derives from the fact that the film is a silent movie with sound.

In written dialogue, characters seldom speak in complete sentences. Instead, they express themselves through grunts when colliding with obstacles, receiving blows, or being hit by vehicles. Gasps and screams escape them when they are shot or subjected to torture. The sounds of the environment, like wind, rain, footsteps, and traffic, contribute to the overall soundscape. The soundtrack alternates between pop songs with lyrics and Marco Beltrami's deeply emotional and unabashedly melodramatic score. However, ordinary conversation is absent. Instead, characters communicate through meaningful glances or introspective moments of silent contemplation, as they delve into the depths of their thoughts and emotions.

While it's not an everyday occurrence, they are often engaged in intense conflicts, utilizing various weapons and tactics. Whether it's engaging in combat, conducting surveillance, or honing their lethal abilities, their actions speak louder than words in this type of film.

I suspect people who don't like the movie will say it is unrealistic or that its existence requires such continuous maintenance on the filmmakers' part that the result is more distracting or alienating than engrossing. I have nothing to say to such people other than, "This movie is not for you." The film's dedication to its concept is the origin point for everything unique about it. The result of its thoroughness is an exercise in pure filmmaking. Picture plus sound plus music plus performance. The stuff that cinema is supposed to be made of.

In "Silent Night," Woo pays homage to one of his greatest influences, the extraordinary Sergio Leone, renowned director of Western operas. This film takes Leone's aesthetic to new heights, pushing boundaries and exploring uncharted territory. It can be seen as an inverted opera, a ballet infused with violence and hints of aggression in lieu of graceful movements. Though the characters remain silent throughout, their expressions and body language speak volumes. The purity of their emotions is both disarming and unparalleled, capable of eliciting unexpected and profound reactions if you allow yourself to immerse in the experience.

The story unfolds with simplicity, devoid of elaborate events, subversions, critiques, or unexpected twists. It centers around a tragic incident: the loss of a child. The aftermath of this tragedy strains the parents' marriage. Saya, the mother, seeks solace in processing her grief and moving forward. On the other hand, Brian, the father, becomes consumed by a relentless desire for vengeance. Exactly one year later, he embarks on a quest to avenge his son's death, driven by a self-imposed transformation into a one-man army. Brian's journey involves rigorous training, honing his skills in knife-fighting through video tutorials, sculpting his physique through calisthenics and weights, and mastering the art of shooting and driving.

Please be aware that the revised version preserves the initial intent while enhancing the overall quality of the writing. This entails refining word selection, improving the structure, enhancing readability, and achieving a more eloquent expression.

He also surveils the gang leader, Playa (Harold Torres), who is responsible for the tragedy. Playa has presented himself as a folk hero to some in the neighborhood, reminiscent of the gangsters portrayed by James Cagney in crime thrillers of the 1930s and '40s. Brian hands over the dossier to the police department, but only Detective Vassel (Scott Mescudi) shows any interest. Does Brian seek assistance? Not really. His main aim appears to be proving that the person he's about to kill deserves to die.

"Silent Night" is a cinematic marvel that blends elements of intense action with the profound emotional journey of a father seeking justice for his son. Despite its unorthodox concept of a 'silent' film, it manages to successfully communicate raw emotion and complex narratives through the sheer power of visual storytelling. While this film might not resonate with everyone, its unique approach to storytelling and dedication to its concept makes it a remarkable addition to the genre. John Woo's latest offering is a masterclass in filmmaking, demonstrating that sometimes, the most powerful stories are those told without words.