A globetrotting hit-man, and a floundering salesman from Denver, walk into a bar in Mexico City, and befriend each other over some martinis. The scene is set for the most likable dark comedy I have seen this year. Greg Kinnear and Pierce Brosnan team up in THE MATADOR, a slick film from first time writer/director Richard Shepard. Danny Wright (Kinnear) is a square businessman, happily married to his high school sweetheart Carolyn (Hope Davis), and they reside in Denver. Danny travels to Mexico City, Mexico for a job interview, with a lot riding on the acquisition of this job after a string of recent bad luck. Meanwhile, Julian Noble (Brosnan), is an aging hit-man, crusty around the edges, who has a couple hits to 'facilitate' in Mexico City. He has no address, no home, and no true friends. Julian and Danny have a chance meeting at a hotel bar, and over the next couple days, while Danny awaits the results from his interview, they forge a truly unlikely friendship. While they take in a bullfight, Danny learns Julian's "trade," but feels some empathy for the lonely Julian, who is in the midst of a breakdown. Julian feels he can learn something from Danny about life, he sure does, with laughs (for us) in abundance. Four years after his last James Bond film, Pierce Brosnan shows his range in this film, departing from the suave British spy persona. Instead he adopts the personality of Julian, an over-the-hill hit-man, who is tough, but vulnerable, unsavory, yet charming. Pierce fleshes out his character quite remarkably, and is the standout here, earning a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor as Julian Noble. Greg Kinnear continues his winning streak, with another memorable comic role as Danny Wright. His impeccable timing in the film 'Auto Focus' still makes my brother and I pause for a laugh at the recollection of a scene! Recently, he starred in the awesome breakout indie hit 'Little Miss Sunshine'. The chemistry between Brosnan and Kinnear is evident, making this a satisfying, well done comedy/action film with heart. A thoughtful look at life, love, luck, and friendship, with plenty of side-splitting, tongue-in-cheek humor. Cinematographer David Tattersall, who worked with Pierce Brosnan in 'Die Another Day,' and also on the new Star Wars Trilogy, does a magnificent job, adding a depth, and scope to 'The Matador'. Pierce Brosnan certainly shows his relevant place in Hollywood in the post-Bond season of his career, overcoming any stereotypes you may have of him after playing in the last four Bond films, beginning in 1995! This film has a feeling of fresh originality, and that can be attributed to the sharp writing, and fantastic performance by Brosnan.
Review of The Matador
