‘Dead Man’s Wire’ Review: When the Action Is Razor Thin
The New York Times • • entertainment
Key Points:
- "Dead Man’s Wire," directed by Gus Van Sant and written by Austin Kolodney, is a 1970s-style crime film based on a real 1977 hostage incident involving Anthony Kiritsis, who rigged a shotgun to himself and his hostage to prevent separation.
- The film struggles with character development, as Bill Skarsgard’s portrayal of Kiritsis feels like an imitation of Michael Shannon, while Dacre Montgomery’s hostage character lacks depth and personality.
- The dynamic between Kiritsis and his hostage is uneven, with the hostage’s backstory introduced too late and insufficiently explored, resulting in an unsatisfying narrative balance.
- Al Pacino plays the mortgage company patriarch with an exaggerated accent and energy, providing