Vantage Point takes advantage of its multi-perspective narrative, although lacking cohesion. Taking Kurosawa's sublime complexity of 'Rashomon', director Travis manages to create an integrated system of interconnected character perspectives that eventually reveal the culprit during the third act. It's an involving narrative technique that requires methodical planning and precise editing. Unfortunately though, the one-dimensional characters and the occasional pointless perspective produce an underwhelming, yet enjoyable, twist. During a summit hearing, the American president is shot by a mysterious sniper to which we follow various character viewpoints in an attempt to investigate the culprit. The plot is simple, however the storytelling technique is one that draws you in, substituting a standard linear narrative for multiple narratives. Its repetitive nature allows certain details to be revealed with each perspective, crafting a multi-layered mystery. Aside from a few inconsistencies and rushed elements, this structure works well. One or two viewpoints could've been removed (mostly Whitaker's...) due to lack of purpose, but for the most part each character provides certain elements to the mystery. The ensemble cast of Quaid, Fox, Hurt, Saldana, Whitaker and even Weaver all gave functional performances. Nothing outstanding. Just a shame that the mystery itself didn't come together fully, and that's mainly down to the minimal character development. You may think "oooh I think it was them!" but ultimately you don't really care. It attempts to involve you, just not enough. Also, a few actions were non-believable. Shooting aimlessly whilst running down the street is stupid. The final car chase sequence was surprisingly exhilarating, despite some haphazard editing. And I appreciate dabbling into character motives, particularly of Ramirez' character, evoking a sense of sympathy and helplessness. Despite the fresh "Rashomon effect" structure and sturdy performances, it couldn't quite rise above the underlying sense of repetition. Enjoyable nonetheless and rather underrated.
