Plot
Frank is a seasoned paramedic, working the graveyard shift in NYC. Still grieving the loss of a teenage girl, he lost on the job 6 months ago, he feels cursed with constant losses. Over three turbulent nights, his burn out becomes overwhelming as it begins with the call out to a man in cardiac arrest, who he manages to bring back from the brink of death – and a chance meeting with the man’s daughter.
Direction
Martin Scorsese directs, and does an incredible job with more techniques than I can mention. As it is primarily set at night, the lighting work is a highlight – especially with the colours against the night-time setting, and some highlighting of the whites in the uniforms. There is also some brilliant close-up shots as well as his usual deep focus.
There are some ‘manic’ shots later in the film that occur on Frank’s third chaotic night on the street that almost mimic his feelings at the time. I almost did not recognise this as a Scorsese film at
Cast/Characters
Nicolas Cage delivers a nuanced performance as Frank, who is suffering from insomnia, as well as mild alcoholism as he fights his demons. He is believable in the role, and is one of his forgotten gems that he gives it his all.
Patricia Arquette plays Mary, the daughter of one of the men that Frank has tried to save; an ex-drug addict – who Frank also finds that he must ‘try to save’.
The three ‘partners’ that Frank has over the three nights are John Goodman’s Larry, Ving Rhames’ Marcus, and the late Tom Sizemore’s Tom. Each of them have vastly different attitudes, and Frank is able to adapt to each of their personalities (food, religion and chaos)
Cliff Curtis plays an important role to Frank who is introduced mid-way through the film. I thought this arc was going to be ‘once off’ and non important, but he adds to Frank’s life going forward after the events of the film end.
Screenplay/Setting/Themes
What makes this film unique is the lack of the conventional narrative (beginning, middle, end). It is simply a snippet of the life of Frank.
Frank feels guilty for his part in the death of a young girl who passed out on the street, and he feels helpless in his role in helping the helpless. Along his three nights he is finally able to over
Score/Soundtrack
An eclectic soundtrack is paired well with an almost gothic at times score by Elmer Bernstein.
Overall
I really enjoyed this film, and while it felt different to other Scorsese films I’ve watched (I actually thought it more mimicked Oliver Stone’s style). I particularly enjoyed Cage in it, and felt it was one of his strongest performances. Each of the supporting cast impart on him their own personalities, and together they bring the film together. A recommend, but it is graphic not in violence but in adult themes.
4/5
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