- TENET
- Starring: John David Washington, Robert Pattinson and Kenneth Branagh
- Directed by: Christopher Nolan
- Rated: PG 13
- Running time: 2 hrs 30 mins
- Warner Bros
It’s rare when you can go to a film, notice an actor’s performance and make a mental note that “this person is going to be great someday.” I made such a note in 1981 when I saw a little comedy called “Carbon Copy,” which was the story of a white man (George Segal) who discovers he has a black son. The actor portraying the son was so natural on screen…so assured, and I walked out of the theatre thinking I had to keep an eye out for this guy. Four decades later he is a nine-time Oscar nominee – and winner of two Academy Awards – we all know named Denzel Washington. I made that same mental note a couple of years ago after seeing Spike Lee’s Oscar-winning film “BlacKKKlansman.” The actor in question here was John David Washington. Denzel’s son. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree, as John David proves with his performance in Christopher Nolan’s latest epic, “Tenet.”
Like another of Nolan’s previous films, “Inception,” it is hard to talk about “Tenet” without spoiling the fun of the movie-going experience. I think I can get away with saying that it is an espionage-themed thriller with an amazing time bending premise that I really couldn’t discuss if I wanted to because I still haven’t figured everything out. Nolan has created an incredible storyline that takes the viewer literally all over the world in search of something that, if not located, can have repercussions the world over.
The story is propelled by some amazing on-screen performances. Mr. Washington takes hold of the screen in every scene he’s in, holding his own against other amazingly talented actors. Not only is he powerful on screen but he exudes a strong self-confidence. In fact, may I be the first to suggest that, if Idris Elba doesn’t become the next James Bond, the producers give Mr. Washington a call. Pattinson, who with recent strong performances in films like “The Lighthouse” and “Highlife,” has left the stigma of the ‘Twilight” series in the rearview mirror. His character here has a sly air about him, enough so that I feel much better about his being cast to be the next Batman. As a Russian villain (are there any other kind) Branagh is downright frightening. As his long suffering wife, Elizabeth Debecki is both heart-breaking and beautiful.
Technically the film is a masterpiece. The production design is first rate and the various locations jump off the screen like three-dimensional postcards. The film is reminiscent of the Bond films of the late 70s and early 80s, chock full of brutal fights and hair raising car chases. The soundtrack literally knocks you back in your seat, so this is a film to pay close attention to less you miss something on screen.
Before the film started, one of my fellow critics asked the following question: If you are going to recommend people see this movie, are you going to tell them it’s all right to go back into movie theatres? An excellent question. I actually did that – suggested putting on a mask and going to the movies – in my review of “Unhinged” last week. But really that is something only you, the reader, can decide for yourself. I will say that if ever a movie deserved to be seen on the biggest screen possible it is “Tenet.”
I am confident in saying that if you go to see it you will not be disappointed.