After the rather disappointing A.I. and the effects-crazed futuristic excellence of Minority Report, Spielberg continues his prolific run with a tale based on the life of one Frank W. Abagnale Jr., one of America�s biggest con-men, who sensationally during the 1960s impersonated a Pan Am pilot, a doctor and a state-lawyer, and conned the nation�s banks out of more than 4 million dollars in a 3-year spree before the age of 19.
Played by DiCaprio, Abagnale�s story is one of exhilarating risks and the deep-rooted need to be someone and ultimately to belong to someone. As with many of Spielberg�s films, an underlying theme is of family and childhood. Here, Frank�s parents, who to him on the surface were the perfect example of marital strength, head for divorce when his French mother begins an affair with one of her husband�s colleagues, a divorce and an affair we are never given reasons for. Hurt and torn apart by this and rather than have to choose between them he flees the home and begins what would become an exciting, risk-heavy rollercoaster ride of fun and fraud.
Despite the seriousness of Abagnale�s crimes, these exploits are portrayed as mere entertainment and amusement for the audience, as Frank, apparently heroically, through improbable skill, guile, on-the-spot moments of inspiration and a hefty dose of luck manages to cheat his way through unassuming banks, airline companies, women, hospitals and legal courts whilst cleverly avoiding capture, and truly his resourcefulness and sheer nerve are greatly entertaining. Spielberg is however keen to widen the scope and root these actions as part of a young boy�s desire for success in order to hopefully recapture the happiness he has lost since the family break-up, a split he is somehow, illogically, trying to repair. The role of the father is emphasised, Abagnale Snr (Walken) being the catalyst for his son�s efforts and who supports him through blind love whilst his own life is falling apart. The other major male figure in Frank�s life is that of Carl Hanratty (Hanks) who is the FBI agent responsible for tracking him down. Their relationship is one built on weird mutual respect, with Hanratty holding secret admiration for Frank�s genius and Frank becoming closer to him as their chase continues: two men, poles apart, yet both dissatisfied and united in their loneliness.
Despite its over-average running time (this is Spielberg remember), there is a feeling that some things are rather rushed and/or glossed over. Certainly, Frank�s character, his true insecurities and motives are never in danger of being over-elaborated, and there are a couple of moments where the plot lurches forward perhaps a little too quickly. These are mere quibbles however for a film which is hugely enjoyable. DiCaprio, following a less than convincing role in Gangs of New York, is far more comfortable in this role and looks like he probably enjoyed it a great deal more, indeed he gives a performance which could well be his best, perfectly suited to the role despite playing someone almost 10 years his junior, his boyish charm is exactly what the real Abagnale claimed was the crucial tool in his success. There are good turns too from Walken and Martin Sheen as the father of the dumb, deceived girl Abagnale almost marries. Spielberg makes all the obvious choices we might expect from him (in his hunt for universal appeal) yet this somehow to me felt quite unlike one of his films. In no way does this rank as one of his best but certainly, as a harmless, fun, popcorn-movie it sure hits the spot and he has once again showed his talent and versatility. |
