Tattoo is a film of up's and downs (Tattoo (DVD))

Member Name: Squeesfan

Product:	Tattoo (DVD)
Date:	01/09/09 (12 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: very good opening scene, solid acting from the lead.

Disadvantages: many scenes feel as if they could have been cut or reshot

Director Robert Schwentke is gaining noteriety recently with his newest film 'The Time Traveller's Wife,' he is also known for the so-so 2005 film 'FlightPlan'. However, I'm willing to bet most people have not seen his first film, the rather interesting 'Tattoo,' made in 2002.

A gritty, dark German thriller with a very impressive opening scene that not only shows us that the director means business and is willing to hit out at the senses, but paves the way for a film filled with stark rawness, yet only when appropriate. Considering this is his first feature film, Schwentke directs with strong conviction of what he wants, slowly showing us just enough to keep the interest sparked, as one after another the plot pieces begin to form together.

The story focuses around a cop and his partner trying to solve the msytery of skinned tattoo victims that plunges them into a sleazy underworld of illegal trade. Our protagonist is interesting to a point, the acting slightly above par. I feel in tension pieces such as this that the lead must be utterly gripping, I felt that job was only half done by the lead although he was still rather good.

The haunting atmosphere reminded me of Eyes Wide Shut, a compliment definitely, but where this film excelled, it also let itself down. Several scenes felt disjointed and unfinished, which led to an uneven pacing that struck between excellent and banal scenes. It is almost as if Schwentke got too excited with the successful scenes and forgot about tightening up the loose ones, and unfortunately it really shows. When you have some scenes that are excellent it really does highlight the odd ones that are not, leading to a slightly see-saw viewing experience.

However, despite it's flaws, it manages to pull off a good story with decent plot development, as well as solid acting frm the main actor, although many of the supporting crew were rather woody.

Overall, a solid thriller which satisfies more than it disappoints-a couple of brilliant scenes saving it from generic banality. A brave start to a director who is now starting to truly find himself in his work, definitely worth at least renting if you can.

This film is available from Amazon.co.uk, but at a pricy cost (I assume from importing) so I feel I have to say try and find from another source unless you are a hardcore Schwentke fan.

Summary: a fair directorial debut that proved that Schwentke, with time, could possibly film a classic.