Cleanskin Review
This new British thriller splits into two narrative threads, exploring the pursuit by government man Ewan (Sean Bean) on the trailer of a cell of Suicide Bombers which is being middle managed by the young Ash (Abhin Galeya). The second narrative thread looks back into the past of Ash as we see him study at law school (using heavy insight into world politics) only to become a pawn in another masters game.
The film really then is of two halves that don’t quite gel together as you might like. Towards the end of the narrative you can see both leading men are on rocky paths that they question and don’t quite believe in. If the narrative intertwined this a bit more; or played it out better in each solo drama then it may have come together in a way that seemed much more simpatico.
Story aside; the actors on hand are also of mixed variety. Abhin Galeya makes the most of heavy flashback sequences to build his character. Despite the wonky script still not really opening up much sympathy for him, he does a stellar job of holding the audiences concentration. It’s a shame that onscreen love interest Kate (Tuppence Middleton) is portrayed by an actor who seems to have never done any acting before in their life (We checked; she apparently has). And it’s a shame as her character is given so much to play with instead of just being a reason for Ash to get set in his ways. But her alcoholism and loneliness in life are never fully exploited well by the actress at hand.
Sadly; the less said about Michelle Ryan (who can act) probably the better. Let’s just say it’s very misleading having her name on the poster, and ultimately very pointless having her in the film.
Sean Bean is great, but is also given a lot less to do in what seems like less character driven scenes compared to the antagonist. But he really fits the damaged yet driven soldier with battle scars of his own to contend with and come the close of the film you’ll wish they’d bring him back for more.
Sean bean is a man in need of a rugged and heavy action vehicle. And I can think of non-better than the writing team of Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen who write the ultra-violent Eurotrash vehicles like The Transporter series, Colombiana, From Paris with Love and Taken. Imagine them taking out the slightly more youthful muscle spewing Jason Statham; or even the even more rugged but hard as nails Liam Neeson and filling the spot with Bean in the hero role (too many bad guys Sean!). The man can clearly kick some ass and then some and Cleanskin film offers a glimpse at that, although sadly only a glimpse. A shame though that every time he enters a room armed he always managed to get attacked from around the corner. Check those corners Bean!
Steven Hurst