(1972)
2
Donald Guarisco
George C. Scott's second film as a director is an unusual piece of work that takes lots of chances. Rage takes an unorthodox approach to its conspiracy premise: instead of focusing on plot twists and slowly unveiling the conspiracy, it reveals the conspiracy early on and allows the audience to focus on how victims in the middle of the situation react when they discover what is going on. Rage is often criticized for its refusal to play by the rules and fulfill the thriller genre's requirements but a close look reveals that it does so by design: the story is told in a style designed to reinforce the hopelessness the main character feels Scott's direction is economical, treating the story and characters with a clinical detachment that puts the ugly details of the crimes committed (both by the military and, later on, by its hero) into harsh focus. Scott doubles as lead actor and does an intense, convincing job as he quietly conveys the character's journey from normality to homicidal fury. There are also effective performances by Martin Sheen as an army officer who treats civilians like lab animals and Barnard Hughes as public health officer whose ability to coolly manipulate others is put to the test by Scott. The end result isn't so much a message movie as it is a cinematic howl of rage over how bureaucracies handle and conceal errors with little thought to their effect on the public. Rage is likely to confound many viewers with its cold style and refusal to cater to audience expectations but the cinematically adventurous are likely to appreciate the film's edgy, thought-provoking stance.
Trailer
cast-crew for Rage on AllMovie
Rage (1972)
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