Film Review: The Negotiator

The core of the story is simple, the execution however, is quite complex. S.W.A.T. team negotiator Danny Roman believably characterized by Jackson, is accused of killing his partner to cover an internal theft. As the evidence mounts against Roman, he approaches police department Internal Affairs Division in an attempt to discover why he’s being framed. When rebuffed by I.A.D., Danny Roman spontaneously takes justice into his own hands and that’s where the real action begins.

Reminiscent of Dog Day Afternoon, The Negotiator synthesizes a modern hostage scenario in spectacular Hollywood form. As personal events for Roman digress, we feel his despair. The film clearly demonstrates what happens when one feels helpless in a system stocked with bureaucrats unwilling to help or even listen to one’s grievances. We get to observe the purity of friendship and humanity in the relationships between a dozen cops who are, or were, friends, forced by situational dynamics to become professional enemies.

One highlight and irony of the film is the character Rudy, a low-life snitch, comically played by Paul Giamatti. Rudy, among others, is held hostage by Danny Roman. Gradually Rudy becomes a willing assistant to Roman who uses his computer hacking skills to help Roman seek justice by breaking into Head investigator Terence Niebaum’s computer. Veteran actor J.T. Walsh was cast as Niebaum. This was his next to last film completed before his untimely death in February. The supporting cast of characters holds some unique jewels, among which are David Morse (Contact) as Commander Adam Beck, Ron Rifkin, (L.A Confidential) as Chief Frost, and Siobhan Fallon as Maggie, Niebaum’s sarcastic secretary. The real treat though is Kevin Spacey (The Usual Suspects) and Sam Jackson. The confident banter between them like watching two professional chess players moving pieces around the board at the speed of light. The negotiations are a magnificent demonstration of the verbal ‘quid pro quo’. The writing behind The Negotiator is refreshingly good.

A good movie, like a good stew, is great because of it’s ingredients. Some films meet entertainment expectations because of a great story, some because of incredible acting, while still others are dependent upon special effects, and electrifying chase scenes. While a creative mix of these ingredients can produce a wonderful movie, careful direction is key to the success of the stew. In this case, The Negotiator is an unusual and pleasant blend of them all making for a great stew. Directed by relative newcomer F. Gary Grey, this African-American director has a flair for the drama/suspense/action genre very similar to directors like Tony Scott (Top Gun), and Richard Donner (Lethal Weapon).

Finally, an unexpected treat; the film will give you a unique look at something that had become jaded in the 90’s … marriage. Danny Roman is a newlywed in this film. One of the remarkable subplots of this movie is seeing a mature man and woman who genuinely love each other. It’s tender, straight forward, and sexually de-emphasized. It’s was like watching that couple in church who demonstrate warmth, tenderness, and that something special in the way they relate to each other. I found it to be an interesting experience to view everyday, garden variety, mom & pop love.

I liked this film. It’s too complex to analyze further without giving too much away so let me advise you this way; if you liked LA Confidential, or any of the films mentioned, you’ll love The Negotiator. I guarantee it!

See you at the movies.