A Common Man

A graphically captivating and thought-provoking movie, A Common Man, is a brilliant thriller drama released in 2013. The movie features a notable cast, including the Academy Award winner, Sir Ben Kingsley, the charismatic Ben Cross, and the talented Patrick Rutnam. Directed by the Sri Lankan filmmaker Chandran Rutnam, the plot of A Common Man presents an uncompromising reflection on what drives a man to extreme actions, while justifying his behaviors as the only suitable course to challenge the system.

In A Common Man, Sir Ben Kingsley assumes the role of an ordinary man living within the bustles and complexities of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Yet, underneath this run-of-the-mill demeanor, this anonymous man carries a motive and a sinister plan that could alter the city's equilibrium permanently. Kingsley, known for his outstanding performance in historic epics, attempts a complete role reversal here, playing an intriguing character that maneuvers the storyline towards its intriguing depth.

Ben Cross, another seasoned actor in the industry, portrays the role of a seasoned police officer named DIG Morris Da Silva. Cross is tasked with the challenging role to counter Kingsley's character's provocative chessboard of chaos, thus making their character interplay a crucial suspense factor in the movie. Cross catches the pulse of his character very subtly, demonstrating his acting prowess by delving into the moral ambiguity intrinsic within his law-enforcement role.

Amidst this strategic cat-and-mouse game, Patrick Rutnam plays a crucial role as IP Mohideen. He leaves a strong impression with his charismatic presence, adeptly representing the young force clashing with the experienced yet traditional methodology of senior officers. This tug-of-war between the old and the new intelligently brings out aspects of bureaucracy and procedural inefficiencies within the system.

The movie fluidly proceeds with a backdrop of urban terrorism, subtly examining the psyche of people who feel they have been wronged by the system and dare to go to extremes to manifest their anger and discontent. A Common Man touches upon the theme of socio-political rebellion in an oddly realistic way, pushing the boundaries of an average audience's comfort zone by generating empathy for the character who's instigating potentially widespread panic.

The cinematography of A Common Man is commendable, providing some great visuals of contemporary Sri Lanka, which indeed is a treat for the eyes. It beautifully encapsulates the essence of urban Colombo, giving the audience an immersive experience. The director, Chandran Rutnam, expertly manipulates silence with a detailed sound design, in contrast to the regular pulse-pounding background scores in typical thriller movies. This innovative use of silence not only builds tension but also effectively furthers the narrative, hushing and rushing the audience through the rollercoaster plot.

All in all, A Common Man is an enriching cinematic experience, a compelling merge of drama, action, and suspense. With the individualistic and strong performances by the cast members and a narrative full of twists and turns, A Common Man indeed has the potential to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

The movie is impressive in its depiction of human frailties and strengths while also portraying the resilience and relentlessness of spirit. It gives a microscopic examination of how much an ordinary man can go to voice his angst against the system, capturing the story of an unlikely hero born in the shadows of societal misgivings. This film stands as a compelling testament of an ignored voice that echoes louder when pushed into the farthest corners.

It would be fair to say that A Common Man stands as an exciting deviation from a regular thriller movie, peeling off layers of deceit and bravado to reveal a unique perspective on revenge, justice, and humanity. The movie's unique storytelling, coupled with exceptional performances, looms beyond its thriller tag to give the audience a glimpse of an unexpected hero's pathos, who we realize is not just a common man. It's a film that will stay with you, compelling you to ponder and question long after the screen fades to black. With this movie, Chandran Rutnam has crafted a gritty world where ordinary people are put in extraordinary situations, thereby brilliantly amplifying the echoes of every "common" man.