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Lunch » Tags » Movies » Reviews » Changing Lanes » User review

Underrated but good

  • Dec 31, 2012
Exclusive to the Lunch Network
Rating:
+3
I watched this movie last night at random, expecting little more than an over-revved thriller lacking substance and subtlety. I was surprised; this movie was good - complex, thought-provoking, disconcerting –, so much better than anticipated.

The plot follows one day in the lives of two men – Gavin Baneck, a young and successful New York attorney (played by Ben Affleck), and Doyle Gipson (superbly portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson), an insurance salesman and recovering alcoholic trying to salvage his relationship with his children and divorced wife. The two seemingly very different men are connected through a car accident which, though technically minor, has far-reaching consequences. What follows is an unraveling of identities as each man - driven by hurt, anger, and a need for control - attempts to one-up the other in an exchange of malicious pranks in which Baneck and Gipson both lose their hold of reason and ethical consideration. Each man confronts the other – but more significantly, each confronts and re-evaluates himself.

The direction of the movie is powerful. The artistic decision to frequently alternate between scenes depicting the two protagonists’ lives is especially clever. The differences between the two and the groups they represent are thus implied; viewers are invited to recognize that these men come from very different worlds. Each of these worlds, however, breeds its own debilitating pressures, its own crimes. Both men seek, and manage, to hurt in their own capacities. The movie thus simultaneously highlights sameness and difference between various groups – black and white, rich and poor  –, providing a realistic portrayal of life that denies easy, stereotypical categorization.

The casting and acting - from primary to minor characters – greatly complement the realism of the movie. On the downside, I did find the music and script to be at times off or overdone. I also thought the movie lacked depth and nuance in its depiction of women and their experiences (though, arguably, given what the movie attempts to do, this was simply beyond its manageable scope). On the whole, the direction of the movie and performances given throughout were strong enough to outweigh the negatives I noted.

Aside from these, what I think Changing Lanes does so well is tell a story true to life. In its exploration of human nature, social order, relationships, and justice, it goes to some very dark places. I’ll admit, this movie frightened me at times in its profound bluntness. That said, there is a hopeful thread throughout: Baneck and Gipson are good men, although both seriously flawed: they are looking for love, stability, happiness, and meaning in a world, and in themselves, where these things are hard to find. Both men grow. True to life, Changing Lanes is a movie of both despair and hope.  

To wrap up, I’m glad I watched this movie. It has caused me to think and that is something all good movies do. And so, here’s my recommendation: watch this movie. It’s underrated, but it’s good. 
Underrated but good

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January 01
Interesting review and pictures too!
 
January 01
been some years since I saw this one last. Good comment on its themes on social order thanks for sharing!
January 01
I'm glad I stumbled on it. Thanks for the comment, and happy new year!! =)
 
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About the reviewer
Swadhi Ranganee ()
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Member Since: Jun 26, 2010
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Details

Cast: Ben Affleck, William Hurt, Toni Collette, Samuel L. Jackson, Dylan Baker, Richard Jenkins, Raymond Anthony Thomas, Joe Grifasi, Pamela Hart, Matt Malloy, Leonard Thomas, Sydney Pollack, Amanda Peet, Kim Staunton, John Benjamin Hickey, Jennifer Dundas, Jennifer Dundas Lowe, Olga Merediz, Julia Gibson, Angel Caban, Bruce Altman, Angela Goethals, Neal Jones, Susan Varon, James Lovelett, Michael Pitt, Bradley Cooper, Richard Kelly, Tina Sloan, Juanma Lara, Myra Lucretia-Taylor, Ileen Getz, Jayne Houdyshell, Susan Blackwell, Noel Wilson, Ray Boknour, Jordan Gelber, Gilbert Williams, Lisa Leguillou, Akil Walker, Cole Hwakins, Tyler Sussman, Michael Patrick McGrath, Suzanne Hevner, Caleb Archer, Shabazz Richardson, Genevieve Elam, Anastasia Rojas, Nicole Wright, Clive Oliver Greenberg, Sophia Guaspari, Ruben J. Seraballs, Father Bonneau, Jewel Brimage, Katariina Kiamma, Vanessa Quel, Howard I. Laniado, Tony Machine, Carolyn Feldschuh, Maria Alaina Mason, Harvey Waldman, Alyson Renaldo, James Soviero, Mary Kelly, Anthony DiGiacomo, Richard Velasco, Selena Blake, Harriet Rosenthal, John Kohl, Lisa Vogel, Bob Heffernan
Genre: Drama, Action, Adventure
Release Date: April 12, 2002
MPAA Rating: R
Screen Writer: Michael Tolkin
Runtime: 1hr 38min
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"Underrated but good"
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