Directed by: Neil LaBute
Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Patrick Wilson, Kerry Washington
Newlyweds Chris (Wilson) and Lisa (Washington) move into a cozy section in the Los Angeles hills with contrasting ideas of when to start a family. Their world is about to grow a lot less comfortable since they now live next to LA cop Abel Turner (Jackson), who doesn't make his disdain for the interracial couple a secret. His hostility towards them at first manifests itself with ultra-bright security lights flashed right into their bedroom window and then escalates to more aggressive and overtly violent acts. Abel is in hot water with the department due to a lawsuit by a suspect he beat up before arresting. He finds it easier to take out his frustrations on Chris and Lisa than the rest of the world since they share a fence line.
The marriage isn't exactly accepted by Lisa's parents, whose questions about when they plan to have a child aren't backed with enthusiasm. People like Abel simply turn up the heat on a situation which is none of his business. We learn later Abel's attitudes come from personal experience, which doesn't mean his actions are in any way mitigated. It is a tip-off as to how much of a sociopath he is. Jackson can play mean and hostile with his face so well he doesn't even need to verbalize his hatred, which of course he does as only he can.
Wilson and Washington make a sympathetic, believable couple being harassed for no good reason. The wildfires which are slowly making their way towards the neighborhood symbolize the rage growing between the couple and Abel, who believes his shield puts him in the right in any situation or conflict. In a shattering, tension-filled final showdown, he finds this is wrong. Even though we know Lakeview Terrace will end with a violent conclusion, the implications still remain and grow.
No comments:
Post a Comment