Arlington Road

Reviewed by: ConnieMack

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Saw Arlington Rd today. I have to say, I do like a film that concludes 'without' the happy ending, and I was surprised this was one. The cinematography was somewhat wonderful, particularly the 'views' and the end-piece with the video superimposed over everyday life. One loose end, though: Bridges' character went to St. Louis to see the father of the alleged bomber there. That man, though sorrowful and lost - and well-played, in a very small part, I might add - was a keeper of the truth as he saw it. He'd be a very large loose end if he chose to come forward (though, to who? He trusted no one) with what he'd been presented by Bridges'.

And for god's sake, if any of you are fearful of taking a great and looming secret to an unwanted, unwarranted grave with you, go hire an attorney - get his/her pledge of confidentiality, give him the sealed envelope with the details of your nasty secret, and the caveat that he expose - to multiple resources - the contents within only after a prescribed number of things have occurred, i.e., your death, or your death and the death of the one(s) you're attempting to protect. That drives me nuts, that Bridges' character had to just 'deal' with this; and that he didn't have voicemail; and that his friend at the Fibbies, Whit, didn't have voicemail; and that his girlfriend turned so quick; and that the bombmeisters all looked like neonazis; and that I wonder if the kid's hand was intentionally blown up; and the implication that Robbins' character may have killed his father, and his friend, and may be, in fact, a serialist, more than a terrorist.

It was disturbing, and paranoia-inducing, and interesting. I just wonder what it was before they fkd with it.

And I must agree, a little slackmouth on the part of JB goes a Long Way.

 

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