The Jacket (2005)

I was 18 when I rose from the dead, poseur!

Genre: Fantasy Sci-Fi Horror Thriller Drama (USA, Germany)

Starring: Adrien Brody (King Kong; The Village), Keira Knightley (Domino; Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl)

Directed By: John Maybury

Overview: A man is sentenced to a mental hospital for the murder of a police officer, suffering from amnesia. There he is put in a straight jacket, injected with dangerous drugs and put in a morgue locker. Vengeance or therapy?

Acting: This is topnotch. Yes, even Kris Kristopherson. Brody plays it subtle while still being disturbingly disturbed. Remember this guy won the Oscar for The Pianist. Though I found that movie overrated and slightly rehashed, his acting was incredible in that too.
Rating: 8

Cinematography: This impressed me to no end. The flashbacks, flashforwards, the lens effects and special effects, all really well done. The occasional dark settings and that piss-stained jacket all help the gritty look of this hyper-professional production.
Rating: 8

Script: This is not so obscure to be misunderstood, and not so obvious as to be leading you through the nose in some predictable fashion. The writing is great, without a doubt.
Rating: 8

Plot: More than anything else, the plot is the thing. What a terrific story! A man races against time to try and solve a mystery burning in his mind, deep in his fractured brain. Battles with his sanity, his doctors and his future all collide in a terrific investigation, culminating in a great ending that will make you glad to have seen this film.
Rating: 9

Mood: The mood is well set. In all honesty this would make you think Horror but it's much more thriller. The theme is not one of fear, it's one of confusion and the weight of time on this person's shattered mind. You won't be disappointed.
Rating: 8

Hmm, I think he needs a couple more minutes in the microwave.. but only on defrost...

Overall Rating: 82% (Mind-Shattering)

Aftertaste: This is going to be one of those Sleeper hits that make you glad you're a movie aficionado. One of those people who sift through crap to find this. Yes, it was up there and fairly mainstream, but only for a little while. This is like an Ace you can pull out of your sleeve and people will tip a nod in praise to your taste.