Panic Room (2002)

Directed by: David Fincher | 112 minutes | drama, crime, thriller | Actors: Jodie Foster, Kristen Stewart, Forest Whitaker, Jared Leto, Dwight Yoakam, Patrick Bauchau, Ann Magnuson, Ian Buchanan, Andrew Kevin Walker, Paul Schulze, Mel Rodriguez, Richard Conant, Paul Simon, Victor Thrash, Ken Turner

The Oscar that actor Forest Whitaker won in 2007 for his sublime portrayal of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in ‘The Last King of Scotland’ was the ultimate culmination of his career. Whitaker has been undervalued in Hollywood for years. He doesn’t often get lead roles and is usually sentenced to play supporting roles. However, the great thing about this talented actor is that he makes something special out of all the roles he is offered, no matter how small they are. ‘Platoon’, ‘The Crying Game’ and ‘Phone Booth’ are just a few examples of films in which Whitaker makes an unforgettable impression. And the few films in which he does play a leading role, such as ‘The Last King of Scotland’ and the biopic ‘Bird’ about jazz virtuoso Charlie Parker, he invariably steals the show. There is something touching, something human about his sad and sincere glance. He also gives that little bit extra to his role in ‘Panic Room’.

In ‘Panic Room’, Jodie Foster plays a woman who has just been divorced from her wealthy husband. This Meg Altman and her unruly teenage daughter Sarah (the debutant Kristen Stewart) move into a gigantic house in a good neighborhood in New York. The house has four floors and is therefore much too big for two women alone. The most eye-catching room is the so-called panic room; a steel bunker with its own electricity supply and telephone line, where the residents can hide in case of emergency. The very first night, Meg and Sarah need their small fortress, when three men break into the house. Rich boy’s son Junior (Jared Leto) knows that there is a large bag of money in the house, of all things in the panic room. He’s brought in security expert Burnham (Forest Whitaker) for the technical know-how and Raoul (country singer Dwight Yoakam) in case physical strength is involved. A cat-and-mouse game begins, in which mutual tensions run high.

Many see ‘Panic Room’ as a David Fincher snack. The critically acclaimed director of films like ‘Se7en’, ‘The Game’ and ‘Fight Club’ needed something light-hearted after a series of complex films of socially critical reflections. When the screenplay for ‘Panic Room’ – written by David Koepp (‘Jurassic Park’, ”Mission Impossible’, ‘Carlito’s Way’) – was in front of him, he didn’t have to hesitate for long. A not too complicated story that takes place in a small space and the main aim is to keep the audience on the edge of their seat. That’s easy to score. But Fincher wouldn’t be Fincher if he didn’t turn ‘Panic Room’ into a visual masterpiece. He therefore treats the viewer to shots from impossible camera angles and wonderful long shots in which innovative use is made of light. In particular, the scene where the burglars enter the house is a joy to watch. It’s a shame that the script lags a bit behind the visual work. The story is wafer thin, not very original and quite predictable.

Nevertheless, you are on the edge of your seat from start to finish and that mainly has to do with the actors. And it’s only six that matter to the story. Jodie Foster played a leading role for the first time in three years (‘Anna and the King’ in 1999) and she does that, as we are used to from her, just fine. Even though the role of Meg Altman does not offer her many opportunities to show her abilities, she still knows how to make a person of flesh and blood. She is joined by the young Kristen Stewart, who could also have been her real daughter as she looks just like her. The villainous guild is a colorful group. Dwight Yoakam is quite decent as the creepy psychopath and Jared Leto does quite nicely as the spoiled brat who backs off when things get really exciting. But the show is absolutely stolen by Forest Whitaker. His character Burnham is really only involved in the break-in because of his expertise in security methods. He has succumbed to the large bag of money that was promised to him. With this he wants to offer his children a good future. Burnham is a thoughtful man, with his heart in the right place. Yet he ventures on the crooks’ path. A pre-eminent role for Forest Whitaker, who represents the soul of the film.

‘Panic Room’ is not a very original film and certainly not Fincher’s best. However, the director’s visual feats are once again impressive and the film is thrilling from the first to the last minute. In addition, Forest Whitaker and Jodie Foster deliver excellent performances. That’s why this entertaining thriller is definitely worth watching.