In
2002, ten people were randomly assassinated in the Washington D.C. area by a
duo called the Beltway Snipers. Blue Caprice, a film by Alexadre Moors
investigates these events.
The
film opens with the lush blues and greens of tropical Antigua, but to the young
protagonist Lee Malvo (Tequin Richmond) having just been abandoned by his
mother, this island paradise has become a prison. Just in time Lee is saved by
John, a caring neighbor played Isaiah Washington. The pair soon depart Antigua
for the US, Lee as John’s adopted son.
Fast-forward
a few months to Tacoma, Washington. John’s pathological personality has begun
to emerge. Father and son drift from couch to couch. John’s other kids have
been taken away by their mother, a restraining order officially filed. Enter
firearms, and John’s maniacal attempt to transform Lee into an automaton
assassin begins.
John locates his ex-wife and kids in Maryland. Out for blood, John
and Lee head east in a blue 1990 Chevy Caprice, what will become the epicenter
for their killing spree. When they reach the Eastern US John’s
psychopathology is unleashed and Lee is forced to help avenge a fictitious,
eternal grudge.
Director
Moors shows us that Lee is undoubtedly a bright kid. He memorizes his combat
manual in detail and applies the instruction with expert precision. Had he been
a year older Lee may have applied these mercenary skills in the Army. We sense
Lee feels remorse and does not want to become a hardened, senseless killer. In
a touching scene, Lee steals, of all things, veggie burgers.
Post
Boston Marathon bombings, this film resonates strongly of the psychologically
excruciating manipulation of the underling by the elder. After the Tsarnev brothers we why not keep this dialogue
open? Or should we wait until after another docum-drama shows us the horrors, or
another atrocity occurs?
7/10
7/10
