Exploring ‘A Working Man’: A Gripping Film Review That Captivates the Everyday Hero | Eye For Film

“A Working Man” offers a fresh taste of retributive escapism, akin to classics like “Die Hard” and “Death Wish.” Surprisingly, this film is based on a 2014 novel called “Levon’s Trade” by Chuck Dixon. While it shares a similar tone with older works, it’s much more contemporary and engaging.

My interest in the film sparked when I learned it was co-written by Sylvester Stallone. I wondered how much of the original story made the leap to the screen and whether Stallone influenced its more traditional themes. The film does tread familiar ground, featuring elements like a dead spouse and the glorification of special forces, which echo the human trafficking dilemmas found in other action films.

What’s striking is how “A Working Man” feels more modern and nuanced than its source material. The main character, Levon, transitions from a former Marine in the book to a more relatable figure in construction. This change reflects an evolution in storytelling, bringing a blue-collar perspective that resonates today.

The animated opening sequence juxtaposes combat with construction, creating a parallel between war and labor. This choice illustrates the film’s intent to explore deeper themes rather than simply cater to adrenaline-fueled action. Yet, while the film embraces grittiness through color grading, it risks becoming visually monotonous with garish villain attire that distracts from the narrative.

One notable difference between the film and the book lies in character development. David Harbour’s portrayal of ‘Gunny’ Lefferty adds depth to the story, enhancing interactions among characters. His dialogue with Merry, played by Isla Gie, reflects rich backstories that flesh out the film’s emotional landscape.

Interestingly, the film also succeeds in making its villains more sympathetic. Richard Heap’s character, Merry’s grandfather, is given a substantial backstory that adds complexity to his role, diverging from the typical antagonistic tropes. This shift reflects a broader trend in contemporary storytelling, which aims to humanize characters rather than paint them in black or white.

According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, more audiences are drawn to narratives featuring complex characters that challenge traditional notions of masculinity. This trend resonates in “A Working Man,” where even the antagonists – portrayed by actors like Jason Flemyng and Maximilian Osinski – display motivations beyond mere violence.

Despite the film’s action-heavy nature, it reflects discussions around masculinity in media today. The film touches on themes of mental health, responsibility, and morality, aligning with societal shifts urging more sensitivity in storytelling. This is significant, as the original novel fell prey to tired clichés, offering little more than simplistic motivations.

In the context of the action genre, it’s worth examining how other adaptations, like “Jack Reacher” and “Robert Langdon,” also navigate complex characters and deeper narratives. These adaptations have been successful because they move beyond mere action sequences to explore human motivations and relations.

While “A Working Man” incorporates product placements, it remains engaging. Action scenes vary in creativity, but some, like the opening, showcase inventive choreography reminiscent of Jackie Chan’s style. The film balances a mix of environments, from hidden meth dens to quirky backwoods retreats, adding variety to its narrative tapestry.

Ultimately, “A Working Man” emerges as an alternative to the typical action flick. While it shares surface similarities with films like “John Wick,” it carves its path through richer storytelling and character depth. This approach marks a refreshing shift in a genre often criticized for its lack of substance.

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