Director Duncan Jones, who became famous for his debut film “Moon” (2009), again turned to science fiction in the film “Source Code”. The protagonist, Captain Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal), suddenly wakes up in another man's body and gets eight minutes to prevent a train from blowing up. Sounds exciting? Not to mention how it works.
Jake Gyllenhaal, as always, is on top. His charisma and ability to convey the whole range of feelings of the protagonist make the film watchable even for those who can not stand science fiction. Vera Farmiga as Goodwin and Jeffrey Wright, who played Dr. Rutledge, also do not lag behind; their characters bring the necessary amount of drama and mystery to the plot. Especially impressive is the scene where Goodwin, breaking all protocols, makes human choices, demonstrating that even in the world of algorithms and technology, there is room for true compassion.
Visual effects and technical implementation deserve special praise: the scenes with the train, explosions, effects – all at the highest level. Cinematographer Don Burgess, known for his work on the cult film Forrest Gump (1994), and composer Chris Bacon clearly knew what they were doing; each frame and each note worked to the overall atmosphere of the film. But, as they say, not all gold that shines.
The idea that a Source Code device could create a multiverse sounds odd to say the least. The film leaves more questions than answers, and the scientific basis of the plot looks so strained that it is time to ask the question: should screenwriter Ben Ripley go to a couple of lectures on physics? Logical inconsistencies in the plot also do not contribute to immersion in the story; sometimes it seems that the film itself forgets its own rules, let alone the viewer.
Story twists that are intriguing at first quickly become predictable. Dialogues resembling school writing and clichéd secondary characters don’t help either. Involuntarily, you begin to wonder: was not too much attention paid to visual effects at the expense of scripting?
Despite this, the film leaves behind a few memorable moments. The call of the protagonist to his father is a touching scene that evokes the most sincere emotions. Goodwin's decision to keep the promise he made to Colter adds depth and highlights the human side of the story that a science-fiction-based film needs.
This is a tense sci-fi thriller with great acting and impressive visual effects. But its weak scientific basis and logical inconsistencies prevent it from becoming truly outstanding. As a result, the film leaves a dual impression: it is breathtaking with its visual solutions and tense atmosphere, but disappoints with the lack of elaboration of scientific concepts and plot details.
At the center of the Source Code lies a gripping puzzle plot, flawlessly blending elements of science fiction with the strain of a thriller with a tick-tapping clock. The plot follows Captain Colter Stevens, played with an equal share of vulnerability and determination by Jake Gyllenhaal, who finds himself locked in a mysterious government program allowing him to occupy the last eight minutes of another man's life. Stevens fights against time to prevent a devastating terrorist attack while questioning the morality, consciousness and limits of technology.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its ability to balance dynamic action with moments of deep inner reflection. Playing Gyllenhaal as Stevens is nuanced and exciting, giving the character a palpable sense of longing and purpose. He is supported by a talented ensemble of actors, including Michelle Monaghan as the enigmatic Christina Warren and Vera Farmiga as the controversial Goodwin, whose performances add depth and humanity to the plot.
Jones's directing is intense and focused, skilfully navigating complex layers of plot while keeping the sensation of breathing in a tense moment. Chris Bacon's music adds to the tension by accentuating key moments with breathtaking melodies that remain in memory long after the credits end.
Visually, the source code is a real treat for the eye, with elegant cinematography and expressive design immersing viewers in their futuristic world. The special effects of the film are seamlessly integrated, amplifying a sense of wonder and admiration as Stevens navigates the surreal landscape of Source Code.
8 out of 10
“Source code” is interesting in that the plot stated in the description fades into the background. The best way to understand is the quote of the main character: “What would you do if you only had a minute to live?” In the film, the character of Jake Gyllenhaal tries to achieve a suicide catharsis. He tries to do his best because his life hangs in the balance.
I think everyone has ever done something, thinking, 'What if this is my last day on earth?' The words and actions of the main character in the situation that has developed in the film, when he has nothing left to live very touching. A man dies taking with him much that he did not have time to say that he put off for tomorrow. What if he comes back from the dead for a day or two?
The protagonist is played by Jake Gyllenhaal. Movies with him leave a pleasant aftertaste. Watching the roles of Gyllenhaal, you can see that Jake likes to play simple guys in a difficult situation. Difficult situations generate complex emotions. Due to the simplicity of such characters, it is easier for the viewer to understand their feelings and immerse themselves in the story. A lot of anger, fear and panic is experienced by the main character. What would you feel if you knew there was only a little left to live? Played as always, talented.
There's no atmospheric soundtrack or beautiful flybys of cameras in 'Source Code', but the feelings the protagonist feels can make you cry if you're as sensitive as me. Therefore, the atmosphere of the film is difficult to call unsuccessful.
To sum up, it is worth saying that the film is worth watching for various reasons, but it is worth understanding that it is not about time travel and not the fight against terrorism, it is a little deeper than it initially seems.
7 out of 10
Before us is “corrected” by the stories of American special services “Groundhog Day”. And if you don’t crucify for a long time, we have a captain who almost died, but they managed to take him to the project and now he will return to the train, which inevitably explodes, and his task is to prevent this. And the time is catastrophically short – eight minutes.
Actually, the idea seemed quite interesting to me. But, always remember that the game over time is a very interesting and, at the same time, very dangerous for the story. You can make it so crazy that you can make it. It didn't make any sense here. Although I have a vague idea of how a person can run on a train, constantly die, and not just go crazy. At least because I got into this situation and how to believe it at all. And in general, a lot of strange and illogical actions of the hero. You have to save people, and he suddenly falls in love.
But if you drop the search for meaning and just look at the screen, then, in general, the movie looks like. Just don't expect him to do quantum leaps. It’s not as serious as the trailer and brief description show. You just take popcorn and watch the protagonist’s endless returns at the same time and try to guess what he’ll come up with and, most importantly, whether he’ll make it.
Controlled sleep at 8 minutes with a hot wait to continue
In a positively received film, you often want to read negative reviews, in which you expect to see really constructive criticism. But alas, there is a pitchfork on the water - someone did not like the film because of the allegedly too naive idea with a banal ending. But within the framework of the idea of a film about the construction of time redistribution with a direct participant inside the simulation, it is difficult to say for sure.
The idea itself is certainly not new. The legs grow again out of the Matrix and a bunch of other kinds of creativity about connecting a person to some kind of digital environment. But the implementation of these ideas in a surprising way can be counted on the fingers. Maybe the same World of the Wild West with the same Jeffrey Wright, the series Lost with a bunch of intricacies and the same banal ending, Ghost in Shell, Virtuosos and rare etc. Such films are outrageously few. Within its environment, the source code is remarkably harmonious. Anything can be done in this concept. The idea is that there is a certain capacity in the human brain that records the duration of recent events lasting 8 minutes. Brain activity and capabilities are still not fully understood and are unlikely to be studied in our consumer age. So it is quite possible to think that these are only controlled realistic dreams, supplemented by neural networks and information capabilities of law enforcement agencies. Many of the inhabitants do not know what the law enforcement agencies are capable of with large budgets. . .
So in this film, using such a simulation, they investigate the cause of the passenger train crash. And all the subtleties are sent to the mercy of neural networks. That is, the generation of characters with their phrases, behavior, as well as foreign objects with a fleeting fixation of the subconscious of Sean Fentross. All these shadows from the subconscious are competently supplemented by neural networks and create a full-fledged world with a duration of 8 minutes.
As a result, the film was seen twice in one breath and deserves a strong handshake with the full support of director Duncan Jones. It is to be hoped that the sequel does not bury such a curious idea in a more superficial narrative.
There are an incredible number of unique abilities that people would like to get their hands on and thereby change, not much, not less, but the course of history itself. And here it should be noted that the most desirable technology is the one that allows you to travel through time and space without much energy. Traveling into the past or the future, it is possible in the most cardinal way to influence our reality and make it completely different from what it was originally. However, despite all the dreams about obtaining such an opportunity, experiments to create a unique technology of movement are either strictly classified or have not led to significant results. Some scientists believe that the key to time travel lies in black holes, others believe that you can only look into the past or future mentally, but transferring a physical object there is absolutely impossible. But while the best minds of mankind are engaged in such discussions, which may well someday result in something concrete, filmmakers take their word, building their theories about time travel, and doing it in the most memorable, spectacular form. There are an incredible number of paintings whose authors are trying to move away from the traditional and predictable formula “Back to the future” to show a more authentic and extraordinary version of how you can refract reality and find yourself in a place where previously you could get only in your dreams. “Insterstellar” and “Controversy” by Christopher Nolan, “Deja-vu” by Tony Scott, as well as other remarkable paintings were expressed on a given topic very original and extraordinary. And among such works is fully deservedly also "Source Code", the creators of which have come up with a very intriguing story that keeps its viewer in constant tension.
So, the plot of the film introduces us to Captain Colter Stevens (Jale Gyllenhaal), who wakes up inside a train at Chicago train station. The hero does not really understand what is happening and where he is going, but his attention is immediately captivated by the charming Christina (Michelle Monaghan), whose smile can drive any man crazy. However, Colter simply does not have time for closer acquaintance, as a bomb is planted inside the train and it explodes, leaving none of the passengers even a minimal chance of survival. It is quite natural that the hero himself dies, but in fact everything is not so clear. Flew to atoms during a terrorist attack, Captain Stevens wakes up in a government lab and realizes that he has become part of a unique experiment that can transport his consciousness into the past to complete a critical mission. According to project curator Colleen Goodwin (Vera Farmiga), Stevens is able to find out for a certain period of time who exactly put the bomb on the train, and this in turn will allow the security services to find the terrorist and neutralize him before a new explosion occurs. Not having the right to refuse, Stevens repeatedly makes a journey into the past, but his attention is increasingly taken by Christina, and the captain seriously thinks about saving the girl of his dreams, even if he is told that the past cannot be radically changed and it is important to focus on the future first. But you can’t tell your heart, which means the captain starts a game in which he has no right to lose.
In order for such a story to be fascinating not only on paper, but also to be confidently implemented in practice, the director needs to have an absolute understanding of how exactly he should keep the audience’s attention in constant tension, and what emotions the audience will receive after watching the final scene. Of course, not everyone, even an experienced and confident director, is able to build a truly intriguing, dynamic and at the same time smart spectacle in the format of an adventure blockbuster, but Duncan Jones managed to do everything in the best possible way even though the Source Code is only the second full-length work of the master. However, it is worth noting that Jones’ previous film was “Moon 2112”, one of the most interesting and amazing fantastic thrillers of the decade. With his help, Jones earned a serious reputation and at the same time attracted the attention of Jake Gyllenhall, who was assigned to the Source Code in the early stages of production, and thereby advised the producers to take a closer look at the debutant, worthy of taking the reins on a more expensive and status project. And as soon as the contract was signed, Jones set to work with redoubled efforts and did everything necessary to ensure that “Source Code” was exactly the film that would not distract viewers from viewing throughout the timekeeping and at the same time was, if not a new word in the segment of films about time travel, so strong and meaningful work that will remain in memory for a long time.
The narrative itself is built in such a way that the main character, as well as the viewers who joined him, were in the very epicenter of events and for the time being did not get distracted from the most important thing. The mission of Captain Stevens is to extract information that can save thousands of people, and all the related details of the mission are on the periphery of attention for a long time and should not occupy us. However, time after time, going back in time, Stevens begins to think more and more about what his true goal is, what the curators want from him and how to fulfill the mission one hundred percent and save not only future victims, but also those whom he managed to get used to and love on the ill-fated train. The situation is aggravated by the fact that the captain does not have much time to complete the plan. It is limited in means and capabilities, even though the technology of displacement is unique in its kind and nothing like it has never existed before. So the tension here really increases with each subsequent minute, and the less opportunities Stevens has to achieve the desired, the more the viewer worries about the outcome of events that seem to concern himself, and not only the characters of the film. At the same time, Jones and the company were able to do without significant production costs, thereby proving that the story of the level of a large-scale blockbuster can be told for slightly less than usual money.
As a result, I want to say that the Source Code is an excellent fantastic film that demonstrates the extraordinary approach of the filmmakers to the always relevant topic of time travel. So prepare for a truly fascinating spectacle that will keep you in constant tension and attention, which only grows and does not slow down.
9 out of 10
A soldier named Coulter mysteriously finds himself in the body of an unknown man who died in a train crash. Coulter is forced to experience someone else’s death again and again until he understands who is the instigator of the disaster.
Captain Colter Stevens wakes up in Chicago in the body of a man named Sean Fentress (another person’s reflection in the mirror) inside a train where he meets a girl named Christina. Before he can figure out what's going on, a monstrous explosion destroys the train. When a person’s brain dies, you can find out the last 8 minutes of their life. The mysterious program "Besieged Castle" and the mysterious capsule "Source Code" - a secret military program. Source code is quantum mechanics, the redistribution of time. Preventing a series of terrorist attacks in Chicago, the problem of “loners” trying to change the world, and the tragedy of a father and son – this film asks the viewer many “profound” questions. The truth about Colter himself changes the course of events, and in his life begins the endless “Groundhog Day” on the train before the blast wave covers ordinary passengers of the train.
Director Duncan Jones creates a kind of understandable and “structural-recognisable product” that still has its own inner energy, motivation, problem and outcome. Beautiful actors - Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monahan, Vera Farmiga and Jeffrey Wright - know what to do, and Don Burgess' cinematography, editing and music - create a beautiful and graceful canvas about the paradox of time, memories and moments in life that seem to you no longer belong.
There is only a moment between the past and the future.
Source Code is a great fantastic thriller with an interesting story, one of those films that stand out on the market with one idea. And in this case, the tape pleases not only the original idea, but also its execution.
In the center of the plot is Captain Colter Stevens, who unexpectedly finds himself in a train carriage full of people, on the contrary - a pretty girl addressing him by another name, and in the reflection - a complete stranger to Stevens man. As the captain tries to figure out what's wrong, the train explodes. And Colter comes to himself again, opposite the same girl, and Stevens has even more questions.
The idea is somewhat reminiscent of the classic story about “Groundhog Day”, and parallels in the course of the narrative can really be drawn enough, but on the old concept, a plot of a different kind is built. As I said, ‘Source Code’ is a fantastic thriller, and the story being told fully justifies this mix of genres. The tape is able to keep tense at times, it intrigues, keeping some questions unanswered almost to the very end, and there is no doubt about the fantasticity of what is happening.
The cast was excellent. In the lead role is Jake Gyllenhaal, and this is the case when the name speaks for itself. Gyllenhaal perfectly coped with the role, which is not surprising, reliably acting out a very wide range of emotions. The role of the “girl opposite” by the name of Christina was performed by the charming Michelle Monaghan, who, like the sun, brought the necessary contrast to the rather gloomy story. Well, on secondary roles - Vera Farmiga and Jeffrey Wright, also not the last names in Hollywood.
In fact, you won’t write much about Source Code – it’s a movie you need to watch yourself. Almost entirely it is based on a good story with notes of science fiction concepts. I highly recommend watching it if you haven’t already.
Why is the film considered technothriller? By the last shots, you understand that you shot about the last 8 minutes of memory of the still living brain of a dead person, using the drowsiness of the public and an unfinished topic among scientific debaters, but it turned out about reincarnation and the plurality of worlds.
The technique here in the form of props only buzzed in the background. Plus black humor about e-mail from the other world. Options: fiction, action, thriller, drama.
Let's say the movie is a flipper. Usually in specific prose and cinema use the external entourage of voodoo, ignoring the content, in the same modulated by quantum physics and cybernetized the content and entourage plus endowed the characters with special names. What happened?
Hungan Rutledge (hint to a rat?) hid the protagonist the rest of his life and fate. His assistant (Mambo Asogwe Goodwin) at the request brought the spirit out of the grip of the hungan, not paying only because the "spirits" of the new temporal branch began to trample new temporal paths.
In the course of the case of the evil spirit-scumbag Derek Frost after many attempts neutralized the spirit-blower, using the mind, training and practical skills trained in the army. Of all the variants in the parallel world, only the one that was shown to us as happy ending developed.
To understand how the viewer was conducted, it is worth watching the last twenty minutes of the film more carefully and there will be a chance to guess whether Goodwin, who just received a greeting from the dead, knows about the problems of the Colter Stevens, guesses or does not know.
Little things: purifying sacrifice - death in Afghanistan, gris gris take on the form of uniforms, only the voodoo bag replaced the sarcophagus with the half-body of the dead captain, junfor - bunker, mitan (pillar - the road of the gods) replaced the Goodwin keyboard and black candles turned into electrical equipment bunker.
For wit in the field of cyberwood, the creators receive several points of the prize, for thrill and drama they receive almost nothing, since the viewer, having guessed that he is being fooled by reversing syncretic cults spread in the countries of the Caribbean basin, no longer strains and smirks instead of an anxious expectation.
Played well, attached mysticism to terrorism rather deftly. You can watch this movie without getting bored.
'Source ' is a very unusual and exciting film that keeps you up every 8 minutes you spend with the main character, trying to understand what is going on. The picture immediately throws the viewer into the whirlpool of events without prehistory and long swings, the more interest and desire to unravel what is happening around and how to fix it. Of course, such stories have repeatedly appeared on screens, but this is told differently and does not give the impression of someone’s double or clone.
It looks like a breath. From the first to the last minute of the whole film, interest in what is happening does not fade, the intrigue persists, emotions are brought to the limit, and when you think that this is the end and is ready to cry (and tears begging), the plot seems to pat you on the head and says: & #39; Well, come on, don’t cry. Everything will be fine & #39; And does such a trick that after the credits you sit and try to realize what happened.
With each round of the plot, we learn more and more, the film unfolds gradually, surprises you with each time more and more. Together with the hero, we reveal the hidden dark corners of reality and eventually learn such a tragic truth, which probably would not leave anyone indifferent.
Absolutely amazing here played Jake Gyllenhaal, whose hero really wants to empathize. The actor famously embodied on the screen the image of a man who against his will became responsible for many lives and whose share falls very severe trials.
Duncan Jones once again managed to shoot fiction, which is not fiction at all, but a real drama with elements of a detective and thriller, in which the viewer can feel himself a participant in these events.
Result. The film made a strong impression. I watched without stopping, absorbing each frame and lost in guesses what was really going on there. When watching, the main thing is not to try to start thinking about how it all works, because analyzing any time travel movie leads to disappointment and reducing intrigue to zero. A decent, thoughtful and high-quality film.
If you add American special services, terrorists and a little bit of quantum physics to a truly fabulous story about time travel, you will get a modern reincarnation of Groundhog Day 93.
But the truth is, apart from everything else, in Source Code, you don’t see a single explanation for what’s going on, as if you were taking the place of the main character, Coulter, who is being used as a weapon against world terror. The protagonist does not understand anything, but joins the game very quickly, skillfully flirting with the human mind and moving the soul between dimensions. It all looks interesting, but there is nothing behind the presence of only one interest: neither a competent dramatic line (except, perhaps, the legend of the missing soldier), nor at least a small introductory excursion into the history of the invention itself. Jones speaks directly to the viewer, trying to hide important details that do not allow the story to be revealed behind scientific terminology, as if brushing off “well, you won’t understand.” But it was still necessary to understand, because one acting talent of Gillenhaal is not enough for this.
7 out of 10
So, the protagonist is Captain Cother Stevens. A U.S. Army fighter in Afghanistan is not in his place (in a falling helicopter), but in the body of a man on a train. It turns out that Cother must find the bomb on the train. And he has 8 minutes to do that. Otherwise, the whole train takes off. And so every time he finds and defuses the bomb.
There are few locations here, and the plot is quite banal for a film with time travel. Typical Groundhog Day. We don't get anything that unusual. Each time you have 8 minutes, you learn something new. But, I must say that from the point of view of logic, the plot is well thought out, not taking into account a couple of nuances that it has little to do with reality, but it does not matter, because this is not a documentary film. The main thing is that the plot explanations look very appropriate.
Detective
The beginning is very impressive. The viewer, like Coaster, does not understand anything, and tries to sort it out with him, and then closer to the middle, the film ceases to hold intrigue. Maybe those for whom time travel is not yet a hot topic, the film will go, and there will be a detective component and suspense. But... I was just wondering if the ending would impress me. Will they do something original that fits the logic of the movie? And I have to say, it worked. The ending is normal, not complete nonsense, but not a brilliant explanation, and that's great. It seems that this is the only possible normal ending for such a plot. Although if you seriously think about it, the ending is terrible, and there is one information paradox – “one character disappeared, another appeared (if it is a spoiler – delete)”.
By the way, the main protagonist was merged, I did not like his motivation at all, he turned out very faded.
Drama
Through the war in Afghanistan and the personal experiences of the captain, a drama is introduced into the film, telling us how important life is and what to appreciate every moment of it. Cawster's 8 minutes, a short stretch of time, show that even that much time can bring you happiness, and in those minutes can reflect your whole life. And you can do whatever you've always wanted -- call the people you love, kiss, confess, or just apologize.
Jake Gyllenhaal plays a typical soldier, a role suitable for him. There are times when he is interesting to watch, but otherwise he plays himself. The film’s attitude to the beating of Cawster is quite calm, they say, well, he broke a couple of bones well, and it seems that he does not hurt at all, although it is not. And the behavior of people on the train is kind of passive, not real.
A woman named Vera Farming plays the character Goodwin, and plays really well. Such a tough soldier, capable of heartfelt conversations. At the end, it was a very dubious and incomprehensible act.
The lab guys are not very open, especially the doctor, who for some reason is limp, and the film did not pay any attention to this.
In spite of all this, there was a strong filmmaker. He confidently begins as a detective, and smoothly moves into a life-affirming drama with a happy ending. It’s not a bad movie, and it’s interesting and not long. But I did not get the drama about the war - it is too artificial.
7 out of 10
Fantastic time travel movies don’t often please us in recent years. And good representatives of this subgenre can be counted on the fingers. One of these is the source code.
Time travel here is different from what everyone used to imagine; the concept is closer to Groundhog Day than Back to the Future. The film has its own, unlike anything travel technology. Not the easiest to understand, but interesting. Commander Coulter is forced to experience a terrible 8 minutes in the body of a simple passenger train. His task is to find the terrorist who blew up the train, with each new loop Codder opens up more details. So we have a fantastic mix of Groundhog Day and Murder on the Orient Express.
The main advantage is the script and the idea, for which it is very rare to praise the latest outgoing paintings. The combination of fiction, drama and detective work gives a wonderful result. It is worth noting the almost complete absence of clichés that are rare for fantastic action films. The only thing is the explanation of the philosophy of the film and the principle of time travel to the viewer in direct text.
The second advantage after the idea is the cast:
Jake Gyllenhaal is one of the best actors of our time, who has proven himself as complex characters in thrillers and dramas. In this film, the role is not the most difficult, but the eye pleases. The character is a classic valiant soldier, honorably performing his duty.
The character of Michelle Monaghan seemed alien and undisclosed, from part through the fault of the actress, on the other hand it looks appropriate, because for the main character it is a stranger.
But Vera Farmiga copes perfectly, the character of the heroine contrasts with her position, which is of interest.
Locations are few. A military base we've seen hundreds of times and a regular train. Without frills, but at every opportunity we are pleased with a spectacular explosion or even landscape. The cameraman Don Burgess brightens the picture, with his work he adds dynamics and tension not letting you get bored.
Music is standard for this kind of film, nothing special, but executed well.
It’s worth noting the ending, she does what films have long failed to do. Makes you surprised and meets expectations.
The themes of time and space, life and death, choice and its consequences, one way or another become the basis of films about time travel and in the Source Code all this is reflected at a high level. For individuality, Gyllenhaal and a great ending – a recommendation.
8 out of 10
How many films were made before and after Source Code about parallel reality, the value of time, and so on? However, this film is no worse than its own.
Gyllenhaal attracted me as an actor after I saw him in the film adaptation of Prince of Persia. That's a good prince. So I was wondering: what will be his character in this film?
The ending of the film is very unpredictable. I don’t want to “spoiler”, but I didn’t expect this ending. Atmosphere level. Every time Gyllenhaal's character got on an ill-fated train, I tried to find a solution with him. It’s an interactive film, if I may say so. In sufficient quantity (not in excess, which is the most important thing), there is a love line, and emergencies occurring with the main character. Stop, though. The latter, perhaps, just in excess. But this is not a minus, but a plus!
On Kinopoisk there is information that the second part of the Source Code should be published. Well, let's see...
"Source Code" is a classic example of another movie that I was recommended to, and I can recommend it to others. This picture hooked me with its intellectual content and special technicality of the general entourage.
It is absolutely amazing how the sequence of actions in the Source Code is set. Perhaps, comparing with other similar works, here the feeling of a certain "deja vu" is present in full, however, it looks very unobtrusive and even definitely inherent in such a film. I would call Source Code an extremely successful creation because of its brevity, but more importantly, its informativeness. There is an absolutely incredible combination of the time factor, the actors, the duration of the film and this undoubtedly fuels interest in the process of viewing. Probably, the time (in all its senses) is just as well used in the Cloud Atlas, among all the works I have seen so far. However, in "Cloud Atlas" more philosophy, here ... reigns forgotten digital space.
Let's continue with the plot. In the epicenter of events is a guy named Coulter Stevens, who lives over and over the same moment in his life, constantly following the instructions that he obeyed blindly. Perhaps at such moments we begin to think about our purpose and ask questions about its value in this life.
Probably one of the most significant roles of Jake Gyllenhaal in this picture. Unfortunately, I can’t see in Gyllenhaal that brilliant actor about whom everyone keeps saying. Looking only “The Day After Tomorrow” and now “Source Code” it is difficult to judge his genius, however, sometimes one role is enough, and not always the main one to judge the skill of the actor. However, I can say that Jake is a good actor, and it will definitely be a well-deserved calling.
As for the other actors, I just want to say that... not hooked at all. Even the same Michelle Monaghan, which, it would seem, plays one of the most leading roles in the film. I thought she was so cute, that’s all I can say about her as an actress. I may be too picky, but just a radiant smile is not enough for me.
Vera Farmiga is a very controversial actress for me. Here's "The Boy in Striped Pajamas," where she shows real acting, and here's "Source Code," in which Farmiga floats like oil in the ocean. Admittedly, many actors cause similar feelings, however, in a specific situation I can not decide on my attitude to her as an actress, and as an actress truly worth it. Here is one of two: I either need time to see a little more work with her, or the first option.
Duncan Jones is for me an exceptional example of a director of a limited number of works, which are very much in modern cinema recently. But the most wonderful thing here is that this person is in his place and creates exactly what gives a certain sense and attracts the viewer to the screens.
What was missing was the music. Alas, but I still remember whether there was, in principle, a musical accompaniment here. I hate such situations, because bright and memorable soundtracks in the process of viewing would be very appropriate, and sometimes even urgently needed.
By and large, "Source Code" will unconditionally find its viewer due to the exciting plot and excellent cast.
8 out of 10
P.S. Dedicated to one absolutely amazing man who forever changed the course of my time:
After watching this film, I would like to share with you these emotions and offer to watch it. The film captures you from the first second, and the ending makes you feel delighted. The directors didn’t just put the idea of time travel well into practice, they made every character, every little thing superb.
The protagonist, Captain Colter Stevens, played by actor Jake Gyllenhaal, was amazed by what was happening, but remained a person and not each of us could repeat his fantastic story, this is at least one of the reasons for watching this film.
The plot unfolds in almost every episode, there are no long moments where one of the episodes revolves too long, everything is very dynamic and beautiful.
Acting: In my opinion, it is at the level that Jake Gyllenhaal (Captain Colter Stevens), Vera Farmiga (Colleen Goodwin), these are two key characters in this film and both actors were able to convey the fullness of their character and reveal it.
Bottom line: my perception of this film was this: intense fantastic drama, human values, hope and well-deserved happiness. Of course I liked the movie.
“Source Code” for me is a wonderful film in all qualities and easy to watch, and the main actor Jack Gyllenhaal, as always, did not fail.
Now everything is in order.
The plot is interesting, dynamic, but also sometimes predictable. He does not have ridiculous episodes, which is a huge plus. In general, few people will disappoint. And I personally have several episodes from this film will be remembered for a long time from which I received a huge admiration.
Visual effects are also great, I was pleased to look at high-quality explosions, and with a budget of 32 million dollars there are no faults at all.
Acting - all the actors played magnificently and the main and secondary. And now I’m going to watch more movies with Jack (great actor)
Overall, a great movie that should be enjoyed by many.
8 out of 10
Duncan Jones has established himself as a strong director, who in different genres feels comfortable and is able to tell an exciting story, I personally got acquainted with his work thanks to the film “Warcraft”, so I wanted to evaluate his previous work, namely the picture “Source Code”. There were a lot of positive reviews and recommendations about this film. But did the syndrome of high expectations or impressions after Warcraft spoil my viewing? We'll figure it out.
The plot of the film can not be called original, this we saw in “Groundhog Day”, and the recent blockbuster “Edge of the Future”, which was reproached for plagiarism above the mentioned film, rather took the concept from “Source Code”. However, the idea itself is not as important as the way it is presented. The film does not begin dynamically, but it can not be called boring either. The narrative is going at the right pace, there is no sagging and most of the film is going fast. The element of the thriller and the detective component, although it is hard to call it that, works well, the tension is kept at a level, the viewer is not distracted from the picture. Acting work is also at the level, this is not a game of the first magnitude, but fortunately no one (almost no one) with a stone face the whole film does not go.
What's the plot? And the plot holds the bar, the campaign of the film is constantly wondering how the whole action will end, instead of the usual twist with the identification of the terrorist and the schedule of his motivation, the director went a different way, and when the picture comes to the logical finale, it continues to go. It's not bad, no, one of the biggest clichés has been ruled out. However, was it possible to fully repel this plot move? Probably not. In this film there is a huge amount of convention, but they do not interfere, you can always accept any number of conventions, if in return we get an interesting story. But the finale of the picture led to some confusion. On the one hand, the final was unconventional and in some ways good. But if you start to understand, add a drop of logic, it spoils the whole feeling of the picture.
"Source Code" is a strong and quite entertaining action movie, but its finale, together with a number of inconsistencies, spoils the overall impression of the picture, as an analogy, you can give the example of the film "Air Marshal". But as a continuation of Duncan Jones' directorial career, that's not bad. In general, the film is for one time. You can watch it tonight with your friends.
The source code is enclosed in several spaces. It's cyclical. Surprisingly, for all the cyclical nature of what is happening, I “did not burst into fresh air” from this closed world for 8 minutes. These minutes are many different lives of the same person (although it will be more accurate to say – the mind), differing from each other by one or a couple of moments, but each of them, deposited in the memory of the hero, rules the next moment and creates a new reality, his own and someone else’s, and in it saves life, changes mood, changes himself.
“Source code” can probably be attributed, based on my personal (unrecognized?) classification of genres to scientific sentimental fiction. Because this movie isn't just about time travel, changed reality, butterfly effect, etc. It's about love. I don’t cling to the main line of sympathy between Christina and Coulter that grew stronger over the course of the film. It is about the love of life, about hope, about the struggle with the “wrong self”. It was not just science, not just a machine sending on a special task; after all, each such journey allowed us to rethink the past, although it was given very little time - the more valuable was every moment of full life, life in love ... and stranger.
I thought a lot about the fairness of the final. In fact, it is a timeless loan of one another’s life. But in return, salvation is much more, and isn’t that fair?
The film was not a techno-thriller for me. A little techno, no thriller. It's a drama; no, fortunately not in the style of Nick Vujicic's works that somehow came to mind. The main thing was not the body, not the appearance, not even the time in which you live, but the mind and character, which, undergoing a transformation every time it went to surgery, learned to live anew, to understand love, to understand friendship. Coulter’s semi-official friendship with Colleen Goodwin, which tied them in between operations, turned into an unofficial understanding that sometimes cannot be achieved for years. It should be noted that Vera Farmiga very carefully played softness in the treatment of subordinates, combining it with a hard working regime and remaining so feminine. It's so human.
Thank you to Jones for the unfrozen final scene. I couldn't stand it.
Return to the past and understand that it went not
Source Code is one of those rare films that arouse interest from the very first minutes. It would seem that such stories have already been shown to the public countless times, but in this case, many new elements were introduced, which gave this film a special piquancy.
A soldier named Coulter finds himself in the body of a completely different man who died in a terrorist attack, on an express train. He is tasked with finding out where the bomb is and who the terrorist is. But it's not that simple. Questions arise as to how Coulter got into Sean's body? How did the relocation of the mind take place? Will he be able to change the future by going back to the past?
Movies like "Source Code" are very rare in our time. There is tension here, you are worried about the hero. The plot is built in such a way that the viewer also has the opportunity to feel like a participant in what is happening. In some cases, there is even a small suspense. Many people compare this film with "Groundhog Day" - yes, they have something in common, or rather hanging in one period of time until the right thing is done. But, the ultimate goal and the very construction of the plot in both films are diametrically different. For example, one obvious drawback of "Source Code" is a weak dramatic line. Yes, she was present, but the emphasis was more on action and the intensity of events.
Jake Gyllenhaal coped with five plus. In this film, he shines like never before. It was a great pleasure to watch his various emotions. It’s no secret that Jake was pulling the whole plot on his shoulders, and with the participation of another actor, the film would have lost much of its charm. The character turned out to be colorful, emotionally rich and charismatic.
"Source Code" - a film worthy of attention, if only because such stories are quite rare in the present time. The only thing to see the semantic component was a lot of work, since the film is quite a lot of thriller and action movie, and therefore:
Based on the title, he was waiting for a production drama about the harsh everyday life of American programmers in their struggle against capitalism. In fact, some trains, parabolic calculations, helicopters are bloody in the eyes ... Although, the antagonistic capitalists are present - and thank you for that.
If you read between the lines and do not focus on the absurdly banal basic intrigue with terrorists (as banal and as if in passing allowed by the main character), and focus on the fact that the lame-footed head of the laboratory and, concurrently, the personification of the sharks of capitalism, is the main villain, you can even get some pleasure from the tape (although there is almost nothing to watch). But on the other hand, what is it that the “deceived workers and peasants” are offered to do: go to the Himalayas to see a “good guru”, erase the memory, or throw it into a parallel reality? Pure water escapism. Like this faint-hearted, secondary and watery film itself, it disappears from memory about 8 minutes after watching it (what is your “brain aura” or whatever). At the same time, the script with the final Deus ex machina could still be somehow embellished, add meat, so to speak, but it seems that the director was lazy to do all this, as if he worked from under a stick or in a rigid deadline mode. Although, I can not but admire the skill of a Hollywood man who, even in the most hopeless plot situation, will find a way to end everything “well” and “marry” everyone at the end.
For Gyllenhaal a few more words: it was very unusual to see him in the role of a normal person – not that without “mystical” oddities, even without some piling neuralgia. At least black circles under the eyes left (probably included in the rider).
In general, if suddenly there is a desire to spend an hour and a half of life on this movie, it is better to overcome this desire and watch at least “The Edge of the Future” (even if not for the first time), there is a similar theme with rebirths, but somehow everything is tighter down or something.
6 out of 10
With great interest I began to view the source code. After all, director Duncan Jones has already managed to become famous for the wonderful “Moon 2112”, made in the best traditions of science fiction. Unfortunately, expectations were not met - "Source Code" is an interesting, but weak film.
The film in the spirit of “Moon” – all the same stingy set of scenes (half of the timekeeping takes place in the train, and the other half in the laboratory room), which, however, does not make the film boring. Returning time after time to familiar locations, you will certainly follow the development of the plot with interest.
Speaking of the idea of the film, to say that we have already seen it somewhere makes no sense. Each viewer will remember at least a few films with a similar plot. And the fact that what is happening in Source Code is presented in a slightly different context does not save the situation - the interlaced quantum physics, source code and science fiction sauce cause some bewilderment, so incoherently the theory of the method used is presented. However, it is better not to delve into it - the writers themselves did not fully understand.
There are no complaints about the actors in the Source Code. Gyllenhaal and Monaghan are just nice to see, and the rest with their task coped well.
And yet Duncan Jones, with his delightful debut in The Moon, is unwittingly expecting something more. But the film, nevertheless, turned out to be interesting enough to pass the evening after it.
7 out of 10
Duncan Jones, who noted the chamber "Moon 2112" again shot a picture in the genre of science fiction - only more populist and mainstream. A famously twisted story with good plot twists, meaningless dialogues, a lot of clichés, the right share of action and a firm director's hand - this is the recipe for a film that, although a revolution in the genre will not do, but will pay for itself.
Jake Gyllenhaal fits perfectly into the picture - his modest acting talent is just enough to harmoniously convey stingy soldier emotions in the most extreme situations. Michelle Monaghan and Vera Farmiga also came to the place – they are playing there, but they do not delay attention on themselves (just can not). And then there are good dynamics, explosions and even a primitive puzzle in the style of “so who is the evil terrorist, if not the Arab”. It looks harmonious and does not load the relaxed brain.
6 out of 10
A man wakes up on a train. Opposite him is a pretty girl who tells him about her plans for the future as if she were a best friend. The only problem is that he sees it for the first time. In an attempt to explain the strange phenomenon that happened to him, the hero dies in an exploded train and finds himself in a capsule filled with modern technology. In front of him is Captain Goodwin, who demands to find the terrorist. Why is Captain Jones suddenly on a Chicago train instead of a war? Where's his team? What are the last events of his life that he remembers?
The head of Operation Source Code explains the essence – after a person dies, you can “learn” the last few minutes of his life from his brain, and, transforming, “live” them an infinite number of times to get information that can help investigators and the military in reality. Captain Jones is sent on this mission, and he happens to have to perform it, dying on a commuter train en route to Chicago on Monday morning over and over again.
Everything would be fine in this movie, but the idea behind it doesn’t work. If you take into account that what was told to Jones is true, then there are a lot of questions about the inaccuracies and impossibility of the plot. This, unfortunately, completely spoils the perception of the outcome.
The idea is great (although not fresh enough), but somewhat unthinkable. Any logical person will ask a dozen questions. Do writers and writers have answers?
I was personally spoiled by the fact that I do not like Gyllenhaal, which discouraged all desire to sympathize and empathize with the hero. And if you don’t argue about tastes, “Source Code” certainly deserves to see it.
Any questions left? It’s good that modern cinema makes you think.
How cool it was for the creators of this simple action movie to touch on the most important aspects of the bioethics of law. Well, that's how many time-adventure movies have been made, in all variations. But here, perhaps, only here the creators of the tape showed the all-powerful scientist, who for security reasons makes you repeatedly experience the death of the remains of the mind of the main character. Taking advantage of the fact that Jake Gyllenhall’s character is military, they try to squeeze the maximum effect out of him without even thinking about the personal tragedy that is happening. A man who once showed true heroism is imprisoned by a frantic mind. And while we are thinking about the limits of permissible (good film has this), then the real drive will begin. As in “Groundhog Day”, the hero will have to die again and again to change the current course of events.
The optimistic ending is of course a curtsey in favor of the audience, which slightly lubricates the impression of the film. Here the scope of the plan would be more appropriate allusion to "1984". But even taking into account the obvious tilt towards entertaining video popcorn, the movie retains its lookability. Dynamism, tension, original intrigue, good acting (Jake Gyllenhall shows that he is in good acting form) – all add to the pluses of the film. But the most important thing is that the picture is concise. Unlike the boring due to its protracted "Deja vu" by Tony Scott, the picture simply flies like a meteor, leaving a bright trace of explosions, experiences and doubts.
7 out of 10
I wanted to start by looking at the downsides of the film. After all, the advantages, I think, much, much more. But I can’t say anything about the shortcomings. The ending left a bit of a strange feeling on the first view. But only at the first. It seemed like something was wrong, maybe I wanted a different ending. After the second and third time, I changed my mind. I think this outcome is perfect. The finale gave a warm feeling after the tension that accompanied me throughout the film.
In my opinion, the picture is unusual. Combinations. I do not seem to understand how it is possible to so deftly combine such different genres in one picture. Weave together such different sensations born during the viewing in the soul of one viewer. Of course, by one spectator I mean only myself and I speak only of myself. So much for an hour and a half.
It's great, I think, when a film can be rated so highly in all respects. And like an exciting action movie that you watch from the first to the last minute. And as a pleasant romance, making you worry not only for the fate of the heroes, but also for their common fate. And as a beautiful picture, beckoning with its landscapes and characters. I think the creators did a great job with all the tasks. Thank them. Be sincere.
What is nice, personally, I did not want to torment guesses, scratch my head, what will happen next after everything ends. It's wonderful when the movie makes you think, not relax. But I was pleased that I was able to trust the creators and just watch a beautiful film, which still did not disappoint.
I would like to thank you for Goodwin. A delightful heroine, delightfully invented and delightfully played. I haven’t been so attracted to female characters in a long time. There is something special about this person, her facial expressions, gestures, words, I don’t know. But something made me believe her.
Hollywood loves pictures that offer the opportunity to change any time but the present. Another fighter, loudly declared himself. With some technical, but modern bells and whistles that allow you to travel in time. Predictable characters and the same ending. For me it was attractive to realize the main character of his despair. At the same time, you have to be a hero.
I mean, the main character is originally dead. He is dead from the first frames, which are not yet clear to the viewer. It remains so until the last line. It turns the picture into a melodrama, and you never stop thinking for a minute: what if he still saves the train and stays alive? At this stage, when the viewer at the screen has seen this a thousand times and still hopes for something, Hollywood could turn the development of the plot in any direction. And yet, following the basic laws of cinema, the finale is twofold - nothing changes in the life of Captain Colter and hundreds of fellow travelers, but he manages to change reality. At least in the real world. In the still incomprehensible world and the situation where it exists.
I did not leave the unusual feeling when I, seemingly knowing the ending, looked at all those characters, about the fate of which has long been known. I looked at neither the living nor the dead. Something in between. Because until the end of the certainty was not, how better to look. Especially when they are perceived so naturally, but they blow cold. Especially when you are frozen in the midst of an impending fire, and come to life again in the same place, only somewhere else: a different reality or your thoughts. And to see such transformations was great.
The peculiarity of the game "Jake Gyllenhaal" and his image in general - if he seeks to appear as a hero, it is not perceived as such. It's as if Bruce Willis or Vin Diesel played the captain. Colter is an ordinary guy (not in vain, by profession, a teacher), but circumstances - precisely circumstances - encourage one to become a hero. When you can’t change something, at least do it for yourself. A sense of humanity, not praise. Michelle Monaghan absorbed the image of secondary, but not independent. She is one of the companions, she is the girl of the main character. Nothing more. While Farmiga's faith is organic in the frame by itself. She has lively eyes and a kind heart. She's prettier than women.
One of the best dramatic action films in the style of “Deja Vu”, which makes you empathize and not leave faith in the best.