As Out Of Blue strays from traditional crime thriller to something more existential and theoretical, it becomes very dull, confusing and pointless
WITH acting heavyweights Patricia Clarkson, James Caan and Toby Jones taking on this noir sci-fi thriller adaptation of Martin Amis’ 1997 novel Night Train, I expected a whole lot more than I got.
This is that 3am cheeseburger that looks nothing like the picture on the wall.
Clarkson plays Mike Hoolihan, a New Orleans detective and recovering alcoholic investigating the murder of a renowned astronomer. With clues relating to a string of killings from years ago, and the latest victim being a leading expert on black holes, the mystery should be rich.
Sadly, it isn’t. As Out Of Blue strays from traditional crime thriller to something more existential and theoretical, it becomes very dull, confusing and pointless – with a cast who act like they never saw each other before. Although shot in New Orleans – one of the most visually stunning places on Earth – this film doesn’t even look good.
Everyone is a cliche, reading the bilge script from the back of their hands as they think about what they’re having for dinner and who their next agent should be. A film can be really bad – that’s fine and often fun. Brilliant actors can give bad performances and that’s normal.
But what is inexcusable is being boring. What is the point in offering nothing?
Be gloriously bad – but don’t be forgettable.
