The Gingerbread Man

The 1998 film, The Gingerbread Man, is a captivating and riveting legal thriller that helplessly entangles the viewer deep within the distinct worlds of law and psychological disorder. This intricate narrative finds itself within Savannah, Georgia under the masterful direction of Robert Altman, whose reputation for creating deeply layered films is completely evident in this offering. The film boasts a star-studded cast featuring acclaimed actors such as Kenneth Branagh, Embeth Davidtz, and Robert Downey Jr.

Branagh plays the lead character, Rick Magruder, a somewhat arrogant but successful lawyer based in Savannah. He's a divorce attorney, who’s known for his impressive winning record and his conflicted personal life, with an ex-wife and kids folded into the hustle-and-bustle of the plot.

In a rain-soaked southern night, Magruder meets a distressed waitress named Mallory Doss (played impeccably by Embeth Davidtz), who is under the impression that she is being stalked. The seemingly innocuous dinner quickly escalates into a whirlwind, involving Magruder more rigidly than he thought possible. Ever one to fight for the underdog, Magruder is drawn in by Mallory's tragic story, leading him down, a complex rabbit-hole into the world of legal and psychological suspense.

As we're lured into the story of The Gingerbread Man, we witness Magruder's professional life inevitably merging with his efforts to help Mallory. His life further complicates when the people surrounding Mallory demonstrate strange behaviors that hint at a trail of deception. At the same time, his personal life begins to fracture, slowly driving him to the brink of desperation.

Robert Downey Jr.'s role as Magruder's private investigation consultant, and a misfit at that, adds an appealing layer to the story, and his dynamic with Branagh brings a powerful and slightly comedic reprieve from the intense storyline. Their professional relationship and interactions are pivotal to plot's development and keeps the audience engrossed in the narrative.

One prominent aspect of The Gingerbread Man is Altman’s striking portrayal of the atmospheric Savannah, and how it becomes an important element of the storyline. The surroundings oscillate between the charming Southern locale to a more sinister backdrop as the plot progresses. The scenes drenched in rain, the rich history of the Southern architectural structures, and at times the tumultuous natural elements like approaching hurricanes add a unique texture to the film, further augmenting the story's mysterious nature.

There are diverse themes that Altman explores in the film. The tormented characters navigating through a brutal legal system, deceptions manipulating reality, the gaping disparity between social classes, and the blurred lines between law and justice, ultimately weaves a complex tale that keeps viewers at the edge of their seats.

Much like other Altman films, The Gingerbread Man presents an intricate ensemble cast whose lives interconnect in fascinating ways. Robert Duvall makes a notable appearance as Mallory's deranged father, embodying the character with an unsettling authenticity. Other key characters are expertly played by Daryl Hannah, Tom Berenger, and Famke Janssen, all crucial gears in the well-oiled machine that is The Gingerbread Man.

The score of the movie, designed by Mark Isham complements the steadily-rising tension of this suspense-filled plot. The cinematography is vivid and distinctive, expertly capturing the picturesque southern locale while simultaneously highlighting the thriller's intense moments presenting a unique blend of different emotional hues throughout the film.

In summary, The Gingerbread Man blends together legal drama and psychological suspense in an atmosphere laden with tension, deceit, and thrilling uncertainty. The strength of the script and performances twinned with Altman's impeccable direction makes for a movie experience that is both visually stimulating and deeply compelling. Leading an outstanding cast to present a story that is consistently compelling, while driving home a powerful commentary on the systems of power that govern our lives, The Gingerbread Man is indeed a must-watch for fans of Antham's oeuvre, Kenneth Branagh's confident and layered performance, and those who enjoy a taut thriller.