MEL Gibson returns to the big screen this week in dramatic thriller The Edge Of Darkness.
When Boston homicide detective Thomas Craven (Gibson) witnesses the murder of his activist daughter Emma (Bojana Novakovic), he sets out on a revenge-fuelled mission to discover the identity of the assassin.
But as he falls deeper into a nuclear weapons conspiracy involving government officials, the quest for the truth - and for justice - may be harder to find than first expected.
Confused
Casino Royale director Martin Campbell helms this big screen adaptation based on his own 1985 British television series of the same name, but fails to wrestle the episodical nature of the original source material into a coherent and well paced film.
Jumping from lengthy shots of Gibson pensively mourning in the dark, to fleeting moments of nuclear/political information overload dressed as ‘motivation', the focus is lost throughout the 117 minute runtime; possibly a result of Campbell's nostalgia to the original series and a yearning not to let favourite scenes see the cutting room floor.
Shockingly savage
Where the director shines though is in the handling of the action sequences.
A tearing chase through a crowded freeway proves a startling wake-up, but not more so than the shockingly savage moments of action which come all too infrequently during the film.
While the original TV series was clear in its identity, The Edge Of Darkness is not.
Swerving wildly between mystery thriller, political scandal piece, and even Shyamalan-esque ghost story; Campbell lets jarring sentiment drench the story as haunting memories of Craven’s daughter punctuate throughout.
And a bizarre Bond moment - with no impact on the proceedings - involving an evil villain’s lair adds to the confusion.
Saving grace
The saving grace of the film is Gibson’s return to the acting side of the camera since 2002’s Signs.
An occasional clunky script doesn't get in the way of his straight-faced, steely determinism, and even his strong Boston accent refuses to waver, reminding how despite his off-screen controversies and epic directing projects, Gibson remains a great actor.
Backed up by a strong supporting cast including the devilish Danny Huston and Ray Winstone, The Edge Of Darkness could have been a genre-leading corporation crime caper.
But with an over-stretched and messy narrative in need of a 15 minute cut, the result is a muddled but still enjoyable drama.
6/10 - Mediocre murder mystery.