The Wall (2017)
2017
81 Minutes
An American sniper and his spotter engage in a deadly cat-and-mouse game with an Iraqi sniper.
User Review
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The Wall boasts a commendable central performance but is as flimsy as the onscreen brick wall. The overly saturated war genre is increasingly becoming over populated with a variety of differing wars every year. For a film to differentiate itself, it has to be memorable. Whether it be jaw-dropping sequences, astute direction or gorgeous cinematography. Unfortunately, The Wall is far too stripped back and consequently loses its cinematic scope. An American soldier is stuck behind a wall as a rogue sniper attempts to shoot him. A fierce mind battle that will test the limitations of one's survival abilities and psychological skills. The methodology and creativity utilised to investigate the location of the sniper, whilst adrenaline is pumping, remained interesting throughout. Time delays from the bullet hitting and the sound of its release to acknowledging the background noise of the sniper as he communicates with the soldier. To remain innovative at a pure moment of survival is what makes soldiers human. They aren't machines, they are mortal beings. Johnson gives an excellent central performance conveying bravery and desperation. Cena was fine, but as Johnson is on screen for the majority of the short runtime, the focus is purely on him. That's about it unfortunately. It's essentially 'Phone Booth' with the aesthetic appeal of modern warfare. The story lacks thrills. It's structure, cinematography and Liman's direction are so basic that any moment of suspense dissipates immediately. The pace becomes so stagnated that boredom settles in. Marred with several idiotic plot conveniences, the narrative relies too heavily on unimaginative devices. Accidentally laying on a radio, a brick crushing a finger and the sniper who coincidentally knows pretty much everything about the solider. Only to culminate to an incredibly rushed final ten minute sequence that then ends on a cliffhanger. Except the lack of thrills and tension results in an unwanted and unnecessary cliffhanger. I appreciate Liman's stripped back environment and directorial efforts but the film went no where and crumbled.0 member like this review.
