Law Abiding Citizen (2009)

Image sourced from: http://www.reviewstl.com/law-abiding-citizen-movie-review-butler-foxx-101609/

“Law Abiding Citizen”

(2009)

Director: F. Gary Gray

Starring: Gerard Butler (as Clyde Shelton), Jamie Fox (as Nick Rice), Christian Stolte (as Clarence Darby) and Josh Stuart (as Rupert Ames)

Genre: Thriller, Crime, Drama

Synopsis: 

This movie about a faithful citizen and his family (wife and little girl). Gerard Butler starring as Clyde Shelton, lived like any other normal family – until one unfortunate night – when criminal Clarence Darby and his assistant Rupert Ames, broke into Clyde’s house. Darby rapes the mother and little girl before slitting their throat, whilst making Clyde (the father) watch as he gradually looses consciousness. Not long after, both criminals were caught and taken to trial. However, a plea bargain was made by Darby (the rapist) in exchange for information on his assistant Rupert, which resulted in Darby walking free whilst simultaneously leaving the other criminal facing the death penalty. This particular misjudgment by the lawyer’s behalf, sets Clyde on a merciless journey pursuing the heads of those involved with the case – including the two criminals, judges, attorney’s, and so on.

Review: 

THIS IS BY FAR ONE OF MY FAVOURITE 

MOVIES OF ALL TIME. 

All the elements within this movie complement one another. The dialogue was executed by a highly suitable character, which in turn makes the story line interesting and thus successful (keeps the viewer guessing and in suspense). This is also enhanced by the exceptional cinematography, such as the lighting, transitions between scenes (either cuts sharply from one to another in order to highlight the important scenes, or softly fades into another in order to gradually move the viewer’s attention), along with the sound affects that either maximize the impact or create suspense through the silence. I have watched this movie so many times that I know it from back to front. Highly recommend this movie for watchers interested in mixture of action, crime and/or thriller. However, WARNING: some scenes may be triggering! – As I repeat, Clyde Shelton ventures on a “merciless” journey, targeting those involved.

This is one of my favourite scenes, where Clyde goes to court and goes after the judge that let Darby walk about the door as a free man after murdering Clyde's family.

video sourced from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRyQi8qWfxI

This is how Clyde murder's the Judge. 

WARNING: SCENES MAY BE TRIGGERING!

video sourced from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdOWl6cTTzE

This scene also demonstrates the exceptional cinematography that i mentioned in the review - the atmosphere is quiet, and the viewer hears nothing but the voices of the three characters - until the judge's phone rings.. and then.. BANG! She's gone. RIP.

Shavira Maharani