Red Eye

Als ob ich einen neuzeitlichen Hitchcock gesehen hätte. Ein gutes Tempo vom Anfang bis zum Ende, Nerven, zynischer Humor zum Entspannen und vor allem ein ausgefeiltes Drehbuch, das schließlich alles nutzt. Jede Nebenfigur, auch wenn sie nur kurz vorgestellt wurde; aber auch andere Dinge, wie das renovierte Haus, das erwähnte Messer oder den Sport… Nichts ist hier überflüssig, alles ergibt früher oder später Sinn, einfach hervorragend. Der Teil im Flugzeug ist sehr spannend, die Handlung nach dem Flugzeug wieder richtig gespannt. Ich hatte überhaupt nicht den Eindruck, dass das Ende nicht zu dem vorigen Geschehen passt. Ich habe mich an die Finale von Hitchcocks Filmen erinnert, die sich oft in einer anderen Umgebung als der Rest des Films abspielen. Niemand hatte etwas dagegen. (19.07.2020)

Although the direction is flawless, there are issues in the script, which in the end didn't avoid unsuccessful variations on classic genre clichés. Still, the director literally chips the tension out of more or less every shot and the work with the limited space of two seats on the plane is masterful and even the universally condemned ending doesn't lack proper gradation. Rachel McAdams sets herself up for a promising career as a pretty face with very developed acting potential, and Cillian Murphy already proved in Batman Begins that behind the face of an innocent-looking nice guy resides a villain of the heaviest caliber. It’s an absolutely minimized thriller from Phone Booth onwards, which would be perfect if it benefited from its originality throughout the entire runtime. Still, as it is, it’s a very above-average spectacle and many of its issues can be forgiven. (14.04.2006)

It’s not far from a fourth star. The first hour Craven carries it off with absolute clarity. The whole action on the plane, supported by the claustrophobic atmosphere and the seemingly hopeless situation of the main character (a very charming McAdams) is impressive and suspenseful, but unfortunately once the action moves to Lisa's house for the last 10 minutes or so, the tension is lost, with predictability and a bit of that genre cliché coming in. Another shame is the short runtime (73 minutes without credits). But beware, when God was handing out villainous charisma to future actors, Cillian Murphy went for five, he's the main reason this thriller is worth watching. I've been more and more interested in this guy since Batman Begins. (23.03.2006)

A solid thriller which, thanks to being so short, manages to maintain a decent pace throughout. The actors handle their one-dimensional characters excellently and even manage to give them something extra, which applies primarily to Cillian Murphy. As long as the movie stays on board the plane, this is an excellent, suspenseful thriller with clearly dealt cards in a restricted space. But once the plane lands, the whole movie goes down the drain and turns into a festival of genre clichés and logical fallacies, which is a shame, because they wreck the otherwise solid positive. (06.11.2005)

Craven still knows his stuff and I can’t wait for 25/8. The most interesting part of Red Eye takes place on the plane with the constant confrontation between the charismatic villain Cillian Murphy and the likeable Rachel McAdams. The final impression is brought down by the last half hour, but the culprit is the screenwriter and not Craven – I would have welcomed something harsher and more uncompromising. Otherwise, Red Eye is a pleasant and tense thriller that flows like water. (08.11.2008)