The End Of Violence (1998)

An unfocused and ambitious thriller that attempts, unsuccessfully, to explore the influence/control of violence and power in Los Angeles. With impressive performances from Bill Pullman, Gabriel Byrne and Andie MacDowell, The End Of Violence charts the deceit and mystery that follows a movie mogul's abduction. Director Wim Wenders' desire to weave a complex and profoundly moralistic yarn completely misfires, despite his impeccable direction and construction of each scene. His insistence on wanting the audience "to consider their appreciation of violence" results in a thoroughly pretentious, confusing narrative, in which arty camera angles take precedence over allowing the viewer to understand what's actually going on. Surely that's the wrong way round?

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