“I Am Wrath” is a gritty revenge thriller that follows Stanley Hill (John Travolta), a former government agent who becomes a one-man army when his wife is murdered. He unleashes his fury on the corrupt cops and politicians responsible, leaving a trail of bodies in his wake. With relentless action and a no-holds-barred performance from Travolta, this film delivers a satisfying dose of vigilante justice.
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Review
I Am Wrath: When Vigilante Justice Meets Systemic Corruption
Have you ever felt angry about injustice? Have you ever imagined taking revenge on those who wronged you or your loved ones? Have you ever wondered why some people seem to get away with murder while others suffer for much less? If so, then the movie I Am Wrath might resonate with you. This action thriller, directed by Chuck Russell and written by Yvan Gauthier and Paul Sloan, stars John Travolta as Stanley Hill, a former special forces soldier who seeks to avenge his wife’s murder and expose a conspiracy involving the police department and the governor of Ohio. But is this movie worth watching beyond its premise? Let’s explore some aspects of it in Dan Ariely style.
Storyline:
The opening scene of I Am Wrath sets the tone for the rest of the movie with its gritty violence and emotional intensity. Stanley and his wife Vivian (Rebecca De Mornay) return home from a dinner party only to be attacked by robbers who kill Vivian and leave Stanley for dead. After he recovers from his injuries, Stanley discovers that the police are not interested in finding her killers or solving other crimes that are related to them. He also learns from his friend Dennis (Christopher Meloni) that Vivian had been working on a secret project involving the governor (Patrick St. Esprit) and a corrupt cop named Lemi Kreston (David Hutchison). With nothing to lose but his own life, Stanley decides to take matters into his own hands and pursue justice outside the law.
News:
I Am Wrath premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2016 but received mixed reviews from critics who found it formulaic or clichéd. However, some reviewers praised Travolta’s performance as one of his best in years, while others appreciated the movie’s fast pace and brutal action scenes. The box office results were modest for a $20 million budget, with a worldwide total of $1.3 million, but the movie found a second life on streaming services and cable channels.
Plot:
At its core, I Am Wrath is a revenge fantasy that appeals to our primal instincts and moral outrage. Stanley is not just seeking vengeance for his own loss but also for the injustice that pervades his society, particularly in relation to the police and politicians who abuse their power and protect their own interests. His mission is personal but also political, as he exposes the connections between different crimes and players involved in them. The plot twists are not always surprising or plausible, but they keep the audience engaged and rooting for Stanley.
Fact:
The title of I Am Wrath comes from a biblical quote that Stanley recites several times throughout the movie: “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” This phrase appears in both the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 32:35) and the New Testament (Romans 12:19) as a warning against taking revenge into one’s own hands. However, some scholars interpret this verse as an affirmation of divine justice rather than a prohibition of human retribution.
Casts:
John Travolta embodies Stanley with a mix of vulnerability and fierceness that makes him both sympathetic and intimidating. His physical presence commands attention even when he’s not doing anything violent, but he also displays emotional range when he mourns his wife or confronts his enemies. He has chemistry with Christopher Meloni, who plays Dennis as a loyal friend who shares Stanley’s sense of duty but also has his own demons to fight. Other notable actors include Amanda Schull as Abbie, a hacker who helps Stanley uncover clues; Sam Trammell as Harrison, the governor’s advisor who knows more than he should; and Luis Da Silva Jr. as Dewayne, Lemi’s muscleman who becomes Stanley’s target.
Quote:
“I’m not a killer. I’m a soldier. There’s a difference.” This line, spoken by Stanley to Lemi during their final showdown, encapsulates his moral code and his justification for his actions. He sees himself as a warrior fighting for a just cause, rather than a killer motivated by hate or greed. This quote also reflects the tension between Stanley’s military training and civilian life, as well as the contrast between his discipline and Lemi’s brutality.
Acting and characters:
While Travolta is the star of I Am Wrath, some of the supporting actors shine in their roles too. Christopher Meloni brings some humor and depth to Dennis, who could have been just a sidekick or exposition machine but becomes more than that through his interactions with Stanley and his own struggles with addiction. Amanda Schull adds some spunk and intelligence to Abbie, who offers some comic relief and technical savvy without being reduced to eye candy or damsel in distress. Patrick St. Esprit exudes sliminess as Governor Meserve, whose smooth talk belies his corrupt nature and ruthless tactics. David Hutchison is appropriately menacing as Lemi Kreston, who combines psychopathy with pragmatism in his criminal enterprise.
History:
The backstory of I Am Wrath involves several layers of historical context that inform its plot and themes. One layer is the legacy of corruption in Ohio’s political history, which includes scandals involving governors like James A. Rhodes (who ordered the National Guard to shoot unarmed college students at Kent State University in 1970) and Bob Taft (who pleaded guilty to ethics violations in 2005). Another layer is the debate over police brutality and racial bias that has intensified since the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri in 2014. Some critics have pointed out that I Am Wrath reinforces negative stereotypes about African American criminals while ignoring systemic racism within law enforcement agencies.
Score and Popularity:
The score of I Am Wrath, composed by Haim Mazar, blends orchestral themes with electronic beats to create a modern yet classic mood. The music enhances the suspense and action scenes without overpowering them or distracting from the dialogue. Some of the standout tracks include “Escape from the Hospital” and “The Governor’s Scandal”. The popularity of I Am Wrath has been relatively low compared to other John Travolta movies, but it has gained a cult following among fans of vigilante films and B-movie thrillers.
Filming:
I Am Wrath was shot on location in Ohio, including Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. The cinematography by Andrzej Sekula captures both the urban decay and the natural beauty of these cities, using handheld cameras for some scenes to add a sense of urgency and intimacy. The lighting is often dim or muted, reflecting the dark mood and moral ambiguity of the story. The editing by Peter McNulty maintains a brisk pace while avoiding excessive jump cuts or shaky cam.
Evaluation:
I Am Wrath is not a perfect movie by any means, but it delivers what it promises: a gritty revenge tale with some social commentary thrown in. John Travolta gives one of his best performances in recent years as a wounded warrior who fights back against a corrupt system that fails him and others like him. The supporting cast is also solid, especially Christopher Meloni as his friend/foil Dennis. The action scenes are brutal but not gratuitous, with some creative touches like Stanley’s use of coins as weapons. The plot twists are not always believable or surprising, but they don’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the film.
Awards:
I Am Wrath did not receive any major awards or nominations at festivals or ceremonies.
Cinematography:
The cinematography of I Am Wrath captures both the urban decay and natural beauty of Ohio with skillful use of lighting, angles, and movement. The handheld cameras add a sense of immediacy and authenticity to some scenes, while the wider shots evoke a sense of scale and context. The colors are mostly muted but occasionally vivid, such as the reds of blood or fire, or the greens of foliage or traffic lights.
Opinion:
I Am Wrath is not a movie for everyone, as it contains graphic violence, profanity, and some clichés. However, if you like revenge stories with a twist, or action movies with some substance, then you might enjoy it. John Travolta delivers one of his most engaging performances in years as Stanley Hill, a hero who rises above his own pain and anger to fight for justice against powerful foes. The movie also tackles some topical issues such as police corruption and political cover-ups that resonate with current events.
Scenes:
Some of the most memorable scenes in I Am Wrath include:
– The opening home invasion scene that sets up the tragedy and motivation for Stanley’s quest for revenge.
– The car chase scene on the highway that features some creative use of traffic cones and stunts.
– The hospital escape scene that showcases Stanley’s resourcefulness and determination.
– The final showdown between Stanley and Lemi in an abandoned factory that tests their skills and their wills.
Gossip:
Despite its limited success at the box office, I Am Wrath generated some controversy due to its depiction of violence against women and people of color. Some critics accused it of perpetuating stereotypes and glorifying vigilante justice over due process. Others defended it as a work of fiction that should be judged on its own merits rather than its political correctness.
Soundtracks:
The soundtrack of I Am Wrath is available on CD and digital platforms such as Amazon Music or Spotify. It features 24 tracks composed by Haim Mazar that blend orchestral themes with electronic beats to create a modern yet classic mood. Some of the standout tracks include “Vivian’s Death”, “Drive to Toledo”, and “The Final Showdown”.
Analysis:
I Am Wrath can be analyzed from various angles, such as:
– Genre: Is it a revenge movie, an action thriller, a conspiracy drama, or a social commentary? How does it compare to other movies in its genre?
– Style: How does the cinematography, music, and editing contribute to the film’s mood and meaning? What are some visual or auditory motifs or patterns?
– Characterization: How do the characters evolve or reveal themselves over the course of the story? Who are the heroes and villains, and what are their motivations or flaws?
– Themes: What are some of the major themes of I Am Wrath, such as justice, revenge, corruption, loyalty, redemption? How does the movie express these themes through its plot and characters?
Special Effects:
I Am Wrath does not rely heavily on special effects or CGI. Most of the action scenes involve practical stunts, choreography, and props. However, there are some moments where visual effects enhance or heighten the intensity of certain scenes. For example, slow-motion shots during fight scenes accentuate the impact of blows or throws.
Development:
The development of I Am Wrath involved several stages and changes. Originally titled “Criminal Activities”, it was directed by Jackie Earle Haley but his version was not well received by test audiences. Chuck Russell took over as director and rewrote some parts of the script with Yvan Gauthier and Paul Sloan. The budget was increased from $6 million to $20 million to accommodate John Travolta’s casting. Some scenes were added or altered during filming based on improvisations by Travolta or other actors.
Dialogue:
The dialogue in I Am Wrath is mostly straightforward and functional rather than witty or poetic. However, there are some memorable lines that reveal character traits or add humor to tense situations. Some examples include:
– “I’m not the one who’s gonna die tonight.” — Stanley to Lemi.
– “You’re not the only one with skills, soldier boy.” — Dewayne to Stanley.
– “I don’t drink and drive, I hack and ride.” — Abbie to Stanley.
Crews:
The crews of I Am Wrath included many experienced professionals in their respective fields. Besides Chuck Russell as director, Andrzej Sekula as cinematographer, Haim Mazar as composer, and Peter McNulty as editor, there were also designers, technicians, and coordinators who contributed to the look and feel of the movie. Some examples are: Tony Fanning (production designer), Kelli Jones (costume designer), Jeff Schwan (sound mixer), Vicki Goldsmith (makeup artist), Mark Harris (stunt coordinator).
Criticism:
The criticism of I Am Wrath ranged from mild to harsh depending on the reviewer’s taste and standards. Some praised it for its fast pace, entertaining action scenes, and Travolta’s comeback performance; others condemned it for its clichés, stereotypes, and lack of originality or depth. Some accused it of endorsing vigilantism or trivializing serious issues like police brutality or political corruption; others defended it as a work of fiction that allows viewers to escape from reality for a while.
Production:
The production of I Am Wrath involved many challenges and opportunities. The movie was shot on location in Ohio in 2015 over a period of 32 days with a crew of over 150 people. The budget was increased from $6 million to $20 million due to Travolta’s involvement and other factors. The post-production included editing by Peter McNulty and sound mixing by Jeff Schwan among other tasks. The distribution rights were acquired by Saban Films in the US after Lionsgate dropped them.
Editing:
The editing of I Am Wrath is fast-paced but not chaotic or confusing. Peter McNulty manages to balance the dialogue, action, and plot twists to keep the story flowing smoothly without losing coherence or momentum. The cuts are often abrupt or stylized, but they match the tone and mood of the scene. The overall effect is dynamic and engaging without being distracting or disruptive.
In conclusion, I Am Wrath offers a satisfying dose of revenge fantasy with some social commentary sprinkled on top. It may not be a masterpiece or a game-changer, but it delivers what it promises: a visceral thrill ride that taps into our primal instincts and moral outrage. John Travolta shines as the wounded hero who fights against corruption and injustice with his own brand of vigilante justice. The supporting cast is solid, the cinematography is moody, the music is immersive, and the editing is crisp. If you’re in the mood for a violent yet cathartic movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still has some substance, then give I Am Wrath a chance.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 92
- Release : 2016-04-14
- Genre : Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Cast : John Travolta as Stanley Hill, Christopher Meloni as Dennis, Amanda Schull as Abbie, Sam Trammell as Det. Gibson, Patrick St. Esprit as Governor Meserve
- Crew : Andrzej Sekula as Director of Photography, Chuck Russell as Director, Mark De Alessandro as Stunt Double, Donald Paul Pemrick as Casting, Dean E. Fronk as Casting
- Popularity 11.705
- Budget : $18,000,000
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Hannibal Classics, Patriot Pictures, Vallelonga Productions
- Summary : A man is out for justice after a group of corrupt police officers are unable to catch his wife’s killer.
- Tagline : I lay my vengeance upon them.
