The Contract is a 2006 films thriller directed by Bruce Beresford featuring Morgan Freeman and John Cusack. While his screenplay is about a game of cat and mouse between an ex-cop, Ray Keene (Cusack) and a hitman Frank Carden (Freeman), the action takes place in the scenic Washington state mountains and forests. The film’s plot is certainly punctuated by psychological battles of a deadly chase but goes even beyond that by addressing issues of ethics, responsibility and individuality.
Plot Summary
The story opens with Ray Keene, a former police officer who has personal issues, trying to rehabilitate himself and his teenage son, Chris (Jamie Anderson), by taking him onto a camp. The plot thickens when they cross paths with their potential assailant Frank Carden, who is a hired gun captured by federal agents but manages to escape after a car chase that finishes near their campsite. It is Ray who is in an awkward position and decides to do whatever he can, to chase down Frank and return him to the law – as it is what he believes is morally right.
The pursuit that ensues makes Ray and Frank struggle not only survival in the wilderness but also their contesting principles and life history. Carden’s team of accomplices, who are up to the task of saving him make the forest more dangerous and make it more of a battlefield and a wilderness at the same time.
Performances
As Frank Carden, Morgan Freeman gives a believable performance and is undoubtedly charming and sinister at the same time as a cold blooded killer – it is how Freeman plays this character best. Depicting more of the characters fear than evil, Freeman’s multi layered performance creates an interesting character evolved around the direct antagonist. John Cusack, as Ray, does not show any excesses – Ray is just an average man whose life a takes a turn around 360 degrees and throws him out of his comfort zone. This is how the character of a father protecting his son, doing what he can to defend him against a much more powerful enemy, is portrayed in a very realistic, human way, as determined but not infallible.
Themes The Contract has several interrelated themes which include integrity, accountability, and the intricacy of moral choices. Despite the fact that accepting responsibility for Carden poses a danger to him personally, Ray exercises his power in order to enforce justice. On the other hand, Carden’s cold and calculating grasp of the situation creates a philosophical suspension concerning the competition that arises between them. In addition, the affection between Ray and Chris is also father and son, which adds an emotional layer because familial ties make people do unimaginable things. Cinematography and Setting The use of the forested wilderness is mostly successful as it provides an interesting ambience to the movie which raises the suspense. Thick woods combined with the mountainous terrain put the characters in a maze that helps to accentuate the tension between the different personalities. The cinematography draws attention to the remoteness and sterility of the wilderness, which further enriches the picture.
Reception Once The Contract became available, it attracted mixed reactions and generally negative reviews, where the critics pointed out the lack of creativity in the storyline, as well as the lack of exploits in the script. Whereas the performance of Freeman and Cusack was more often than not winning, many still felt like the movie did not reach its full potential particularly in light of the cast and director. Other critics mentioned that the film was ineffective in constructing a gripping plot or in portraying realistic tensions between the characters. Overall impressions The Contract appears to be a low budget thriller which can be exciting albeit picture perfect when dealing with the issues of ethics and survival. Freeman and Cusack’s performances and the film’s remote location are its assets there is an absence of quick and creative plot development which the great thrillers have. As for the lovers of survival thrillers and those who would like to watch Freeman and Cusack in fierce roles The Contract could be fun but not original. Suggested audience Although masses have divided opinion over the movies, if you love survival thrillers and action forcus with an ethical base, then you can consider watching The Contract. It is unlikely that one will get gripping suspense but with the great cast and impressive setting there are some good performances which will appeal to the audience looking for a drama with occasional tension.
