Ordinary

Rating: 5/10 (26 December 2019)

I recently saw this again after not having seen it over 15 years.
The passage of time illuminates things. Pitt is very committed to creating his character here - he worries, he prepares, he submits to the narrative. He makes his job look easy, that's how you know he has talent.
Freeman on the other hand, was head long into his slide into mediocrity. His acting style is take it or leave it, forcing the other actors to come to him. Watch his scenes closely with R. Lee Ermey, the legendary Marine DI. Ermey forces Freeman to come to him! It was amusing watching him almost get upstaged. They only have a few scenes together, but Ermey dominates everyone.
Considering what we know about Spacey know, one has to wonder how easily he connected with his character.
Upon a repeat viewing, the sloppiness of the thing becomes apparent. The plot hinges on the two cops having unauthorized access to a secret FBI library list, which they are able to access by bribing a federal employee.
The only thing that impresses is the lighting. It actually takes a lot of time and work to light up a movie to appear so darkly.
Fincher was finding his way. Fight Club would come up soon and it's the vastly superior movie.