Cinematic hat-trick!

Aparajita Saha

Now read very closely.

John Sullivan (Jim Caviezel) is a morose, 36-year-old homicide detective, living alone in the house he grew up in. He is tortured by memories he doesn't have because he lost his firefighter father Frank (Dennis Quaid) when he was six years old.

A ham radio and some freaky astronomical event enable him to bridge the 30-year-gap and he is able to contact his own father in 1969.

That's half the story.

As their voices stretch across the time-space continuum, the two men realise that every step they take to remedy the past further changes history and their future in ways they cannot foresee.

The consequences of modifying the past are ingeniously explored by the wonderfully complex and satisfying script of first-time writer, Toby Emmerich.

Frequency is totally implausible, yet thoroughly entertaining.

The plot mechanics are convoluted, to say the least.

But Frequency successfully combines a time travel fantasy, an intricate murder mystery and a delicate father-son relationship.

No mean feat, this.

Frequency is a rare cinematic hat-trick, as adept direction, intelligent writing and strong performances fuse together seamlessly, despite the outlandish premise.

The result is a film that actually compels audiences to use their brains and invest their attention fully to comprehend its intriguing storyline.

The angst of the if-onlys and what-ifs that dominate a large part of our lives are wonderfully brought out by Dennis Quaid and Jim Caviezel. The supporting ensemble lives up to what is expected from them.

In a lesser director's hands, this film could have easily disintegrated into a series of discontinuities.

But Gregory Hoblit (Fallen, Primal Fear), aided by David Rosenbloom's crisp editing, presents the complex screenplay in a straightforward manner. He builds the story at a deliberate pace, allowing the viewer to get acquainted with the protagonists.

Hoblit often uses images that combine lyricism with intimacy. For instance, in the scenes of John and Frank talking over the time gap, both their faces are superimposed onto the screen, enabling the observation of each reaction and emotion.

Also critical is Hoblit's ability to add a level of realism to the proceedings and his capacity to create credibility for far-fetched situations. In a scenario where reality can change in an instant, that's a formidable talent to have.

Frequency delivers engrossing, edge-of-the-seat entertainment along with packing in an emotional tug or two. It is gripping as it unravels and satisfying in its conclusion.

One really cannot ask for anything more.

CREDITS:
Cast: Dennis Quaid, James Caviezel, Shawn Doyle, Elizabeth Mitchell, Andre Braugher, Noah Emmerich
Director: Gregory Hoblit
Editor: David Rosenbloom
Producers: Bill Carraro, Toby Emmerich, Gregory Hoblit, Howard W Koch Jr
Screenplay: Toby Emmerich
Cinematography: Alar Kivilo
Music: Michael Kamen
Distributor: Warner Bros Inc