Alonzo ignores Jake and reads the newspaper. When he finally looks up, he insists that Jake tell him a story. He encourages Jake and then turns into a ruthless critic, belittling his anecdote about a DUI arrest that led to something bigger. Hawke, an actor who doesn't always deliver, does well as the rookie who's anxious to please his new boss. Jake's never sure whether he's being tested or being played with or both.
Every thriller needs a few good supporting characters.
Scott Glenn has a tasty small role as Roger, a man of undetermined importance to the plot, at least until the picture's finale. A scene in which Washington introduces Hawke to Glenn has a sense of surface bonhomie that's shot through with tension. For much of the picture, we're in the same position as Hawke's character. We're led into dangerous situations by a tour guide who's less interested in providing help than in savoring the action. Jake's never sure how to react.