Inside Man Review

-by Kim Yonick

“Inside Man” is full of puzzling twists and turns that have the audience guessing and wanting more. Produced by Spike Lee, it shows a different side from his normal film genre, but still with the same Spike Lee flare. The film keeps you guessing, but at the same time trust levels between the characters are questioned.

The story as like many bank robbery movies starts off with the robbers using their high-tech instruments to fake out the bank’s surveillance cameras. This thus leads to a hostage situation involving the general public clinging to their belongings and life. As the plot thickens, so does the character’s roles, because Lee’s film is produced in such a way that even Detective Keith Frazier played by Denzel Washington is stumped.

The cast that was chosen by Lee is top notch. Denzel Washington and Jodie Foster’s characters play important roles but are opposite in their techniques they use in being a hostage negotiator. Owen Clive’s role as the robber is one of complete mystery. The audience is at complete dismay due to the cleverness behind Lee’s filmmaking.

While watching the film, certain filming angles and techniques have helped to increase the mysterious vibe of the movie. Throughout the movie, close up shots of Owen Clive’s character, Dalton Russell, portrays mystery and curiosity into who he is and what is his motive. Many quick cuts from the hostages to the interrogations have the audience confused on who could possibly be behind this criminal act.

This film compared to other films Lee has produced is more laid back. Many of his films portray the political sides of life, while “Inside Man” is one for pure entertainment. Like many of his films, “Inside Man” still has the heart wrenching plot that brings many audience members into the movie.
Lee has portrayed a beautiful piece of artwork with the twists and turns needed to keep the audience on their toes. “Inside Man” can now be bought at convenient stores that sell DVDs for as little as $20.