Mel Gibson, more famous for his awful public meltdowns/outbursts recently, is still one most talented actors/filmmakers working. Anything featuring him is worth looking out for. This year sees him front and centre in the action-thriller Blood Father.
Gibson plays John Link, an ex-con and ex-alcoholic who lives a quiet life in a desert trailer park as a tattoo artist. However when his estranged, troubled daughter Lydia (Erin Moriarty) reappears life becomes chaos as he must protect her from drug dealers out for her blood.
The film, directed by Jean-Francois Richet (Mesrine), is layered old school entertainment. It has thrilling action and characters with great tonal range, with effective comedic elements and gripping emotional resonance in a tight runtime to Richet's credit. Overall, it feels tailored for Gibson, with a character directly responding to his flawed image, highlighting him trying to be his best.
Gibson is magnetic, with his trademark wit, livewire intensity and silent emotional turmoil (few have a more emotional stare). It is a reminder that Gibson is uniquely mesmerising, bringing the depth of his filmic iconography and private demons. He is effectively aided by Moriarty who gives an emotive, uncliched performance, while supports of William H Macy, Michael Parks and Diego Luna add quality.
Blood Father is entertaining and engaging cinema and a reminder that Mel Gibson is a talented human being.
