Smart, suspense drama from Spike Lee

Rating: 8/10 (13 August 2006)

"Inside Man" is yet another example of the marvelous directing work done by Spike Lee. Lee adds his own touches to a very good, smart script by Russell Gerwitz, and creates a complex, non-linear, suspense drama. It does take a little bit of time to get this train running in the right direction, but when it gets going, you are not only going to enjoy the ride, but you will marvel at how you got to the end.
"Inside Man" is a homage to "Dog Day Afternoon". It is built around a bank robbery that is being led by Dalton Russell (Clive Owen). When the bank robbers take hostages, the investigation is headed by hostage negotiator Detective Kieth Frazier (Denzel Washington).
Frazier was on track to become a first grade detective, but he is being investigated for some potential improprieties centered on his previous case. The man is down and may be on his way out. Russell is a thief in search of answers to questions that should have been resolved 50 years ago.
Between the two of them is Madeline White(Jodie Foster)who is working for Arthur Case(Christopher Plummer), a man who can see to it that both Frazier and Russell get what they want, without having his dirty, little secrets revealed.
The casting is impeccable. Washington is at the top of his game trying to put the case together, while his personal and professional life are coming apart at the seams. Once again the teaming of Lee and Washington yields wonderful results. Foster is terrific in a role that is very different from most of her other work. Type-A personality to the nth degree, and to say the least, she doesn't play well with others. Owen is also first rate. His Dalton Russell may or may not have a conscience, may or may not be just a thief, but he is a unique man who can be brutal when he needs to be, or tender ( the scene with the boy on his PSP is one of the best in the film), and he can see the point of view of his opponents, which makes him both dangerous and sensitive. It is the best performance in the film.
In the end, "Inside Man" is a top notch suspense thriller with wonderful performances and a top shelf directing effort by Spike Lee.
8 out of 10