In the world of crime thrillers, we often see police or detectives as protagonists, but Cleaner flips the script by making a 'crime scene cleaner' the hero who must solve a murder case. Samuel L. Jackson plays Tom Carver, a former police officer turned expert in cleaning bloodstains and crime scene traces, until one day he faces a mystery that makes him a suspect. Directed by the skilled Renny Harlin, the film builds tension gradually and ends with an unexpected conclusion.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Tom Carver (Samuel L. Jackson), a former police officer raising his daughter alone, has a specialized job: cleaning murder scenes, from bloodstains to every piece of evidence. One day, he is hired by Eddie Lorenzo (Ed Harris), a mysterious millionaire, to clean a mansion after a murder. But Tom discovers that some crucial evidence may have been inadvertently destroyed. What follows is a chase by police led by Detective Jim Vargas (Luis Guzmán) and Ann Norcut (Eva Mendes), who believe he is involved. Meanwhile, Tom must prove his innocence and uncover the truth hidden behind the case before time runs out and his loved ones are in danger.
Performance and Characters
Samuel L. Jackson portrays Tom Carver with depth, from a tough exterior to a gentle side with his daughter, conveying pressure and determination effectively. Ed Harris as Eddie Lorenzo creates suspicion and mystery throughout. Eva Mendes plays Ann Norcut, a decisive but vulnerable policewoman. The chemistry between the actors drives the story realistically, especially in scenes where Tom confronts the cunning Eddie.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Renny Harlin, the experienced director of Die Hard 2 and Cliffhanger, handles production efficiently. Despite a modest budget, he creates a grim and eerie atmosphere through light and shadow, especially in scenes where Tom cleans crime scenes, filled with gruesome details. The score by Richard Blackman enhances tension well, though it can feel repetitive at times. Overall, the film maintains the standard of early 2000s thrillers satisfactorily.
Editorial Analysis
Cleaner offers a unique perspective on crime by focusing on the 'cleaner,' often overlooked in this genre. The film questions right and wrong when evidence is accidentally destroyed, and how an ordinary person becomes a player in a dangerous game. However, the screenplay has weaknesses: some pacing is too slow, and the resolution may be predictable for genre fans. But fans of Jackson and Harlin will find worthwhile entertainment, especially in the crisp action scenes. If you're looking for a straightforward old-school thriller that's still fun, this is a good choice. And for those who enjoy this genre, don't forget to check out หนังเอวีซับไทย to discover new engaging stories.
Verdict
Cleaner is a crime thriller that presents a fresh concept. Despite weaknesses in script and pacing, strong performances by Samuel L. Jackson and a tense atmosphere make it engaging. Suitable for fans of investigative films seeking something different or those who enjoy 2000s thrillers.
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👍 Pros
- +Unique role for Samuel L. Jackson unlike any other
- +Tense atmosphere and polished production
- +Strong performances from all leads, especially Ed Harris
👎 Cons
- −Some parts of the plot are slow and predictable
- −Villain and certain plot points are underdeveloped
- −88-minute runtime may be too short for those who prefer deep details
Top Cast
FAQ
The film was released in 2007 in the United States. In Thailand, it was shown and released on home video later.
No, the film has a self-contained ending.
The film is rated R by the MPAA in the US (for violence and language). In Thailand, it is likely rated 18+.
Currently, it can be found on some streaming platforms or rented/purchased on DVD/Blu-ray.
