This couldn't have a better title since the basic character trio always wears two faces, and most of the time it's hard to tell which one is the mask. Hossein Amini directs this so good that it almost doesn't matter that it's quite light on plot. A rich American couple gets involved in murder, and a small-time con man, who works as a tour guide in 60s Greece, will help them, while trying to bite more than he can chew. It's a pretty simple storyline, with no major plot twists or memorable events, yet it's also a pleasure to watch as the tension between the three protagonists begins to rise.
Dunst's role as the young wife gets a backseat halfway through this journey, since this is mainly a power struggle between the two men, but, luckily, their performances are great, especially Mortensen's, whose character is the most multilayered one, and, strangely enough, the most likable despite him being the least innocent of the bunch – not to mention that he oozes vintage charm from every pore, whether he lights up a cigarette, drinks whiskey, or just sits casually.
The only flaws here? #1 we never get to know more about our characters #2 the surface of the father\son theme that seems to be explored here is barely scratched – and mainly towards the end – which is a shame because this could surely be one of the film's strength's. One thing that's great, though, is how good they've managed to portray 1962s Greece, (and Turkey), which looks as it's supposed to, but in such a subtle way that it never feels artificial. In conclusion, great movie for those that are more into characters and less about action, (or plot). It's not perfect, yet it's certainly something worth watching at least once.
Dunst's role as the young wife gets a backseat halfway through this journey, since this is mainly a power struggle between the two men, but, luckily, their performances are great, especially Mortensen's, whose character is the most multilayered one, and, strangely enough, the most likable despite him being the least innocent of the bunch – not to mention that he oozes vintage charm from every pore, whether he lights up a cigarette, drinks whiskey, or just sits casually.
The only flaws here? #1 we never get to know more about our characters #2 the surface of the father\son theme that seems to be explored here is barely scratched – and mainly towards the end – which is a shame because this could surely be one of the film's strength's. One thing that's great, though, is how good they've managed to portray 1962s Greece, (and Turkey), which looks as it's supposed to, but in such a subtle way that it never feels artificial. In conclusion, great movie for those that are more into characters and less about action, (or plot). It's not perfect, yet it's certainly something worth watching at least once.