Film

At The Beat of 'We Own The Night'

By Margarita Kurtz

Friday, October 12, 2007

James Gray’s newest film, ‘We Own The Night’ – with Joaquin Phoenix and Mark Wahlberg at its center – tells of the constant war between law enforcement and criminals, and how it tears their family apart in the process.

It’s 1988, and New York City’s war on drugs is spiraling out of control. The crack epidemic is exploding, and the police department is a joke to the drug dealers and other unsavory types. ‘We Own the Night’ is very clear on who the good and the bad guys are. The problems begin when Bobby Grusinsky (Joaquin Phoenix), the nightclub manager of Club Caribe in Brooklyn, finds himself and his club at the center of the war being fought by the cops and the drug dealers. The Russian gangsters have no problem taking out every cop in the force.

The best part of this film is no surprise – its extraordinary cast. Phoenix is always strong in his performances. Here, he is especially convincing as Bobby, because tortured and conflicted is what he plays best. His performance in ‘Walk The Line’ was evidence of that. Mark Walhberg and Robert Duval play his brother and father, police chief and police captain respectively. They are serious and dedicated to their careers, while equally disappointed in the freewheeling life Bobby has carved out for himself. Walhberg and Duvall do well as tough by-the-book characters, and this is no exception, especially when they are at Bobby’s throat, and can’t contain their disapproval.

Duvall is perfect as the stern patriarch who will not give his love unless he receives absolute devotion in return. Wahlberg, as Joseph, is the dutiful son who follows loyally in his father’s footsteps. He does later confess to his brother in a very moving scene that he only became a police officer to please his father. The charming, Eva Mendes plays Bobby’s girlfriend, Amada. While she is total eye candy, her performance gets better as the story progresses. The scenes between Amada and Bobby show the softer side of him that his family doesn’t know exists.

When Joseph is promoted to police captain, Bobby attends the ceremony totally stoned and with his hot Latina girlfriend in tow. Police Chief Dad and Captain Brother inform him that the Russians Bobby works for may be importing more than furs. Bobby as the prodigal son must decide which side he is on. Will he help the cops and maybe improve his relationship with his family? Or will he leave things as they are and promote his career?

Overall, We Own the Night is entertaining as a late 80s period piece — a wilder and more dangerous time in New York City’s history. Music by Blondie and The Clash add to the party attitude and excessive atmosphere of the time. The car chase in hard pounding rain is a standout scene. It’s heart pounding, and the perfect metaphor for Bobby’s stormy world.