Bath Film Festival 2008

Transsiberian

A thriller as twisting as the railway on which its action unfolds is straight, this accomplished follow-up to The Machinist sees director Anderson in total command of his material and coaxing a great performance from the underrated Emily Mortimer. She's Jessie, wife with a murky past to train fanatic nice guy Roy who suggests they ride the Transsiberian railway following a stint of charity work in China. A well-deserved relaxing break? We don't think so, especially when the couple encounter unsavoury fellow traveller Carlos and his beautiful, sullen girlfriend Abby. Prompted by Carlos' unsettling attentions, Jessie's past resurfaces in the most unexpected ways. It's the old train-ride thriller premise - you never know who you'll meet, and you'll be stuck with them for the duration - complete with all its improbabilities, but given a classy makeover by Anderson and his fine cast. Graced by astonishing cinematography, ‘Transsiberian grips ...on every level: as visual extravaganza, performance masterclass, Hitchcockian psychological conundrum and highoctane thriller' - Edinburgh International Film Festival. CB

Download film note by Anne-Marie Akinwande

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