With the mammoth success of the Call of Duty video game franchise, it is curious why a major studio hasn’t tried to capitalize on the visceral first-person experience. There have been moments in film where the POV technique has been briefly used, such as in Doom or more recently in several scenes from Kingsman: The Secret Service. However, Hardcore Henry will be the first earnest attempt to make a first person feature film. The jury is still out in terms of its overall quality, however it has already proven within two minutes, that it is an experiment worth taking.
The movie is about a cybernetic super soldier who is tasked with rescuing his wife from kidnappers, before he powers down. Music video director Ilya Naishuller makes the leap to feature filmmaking and it looks as if he has something to offer the medium. Sharlto Copley (District 9, Powers) stars in the film as multiple characters, which should be fun for both the viewers and the actor. This seems like the type of action movie that is more comparable to an amusement park thrill ride, than a narrative film. And that formula has worked in the past, with flicks such as Cloverfield and more recently John Wick.
What makes Hardcore Henry truly unique, is that the film’s protagonist is in fact the viewer. Are you still with me? This is the first movie in recent memory that when you sit down in the theater, you will be the star of the show. The action will be unfolding around you and the characters will be addressing you directly. To get a better sense of the storytelling technique, you need to look no further than the movie’s synopsis below. Enjoy the trailer!
Official Synopsis:
You remember nothing. Mainly because you’ve just been brought back from the dead by your wife (Haley Bennett). She tells you that your name is Henry and congratulations, you’re now a cyborg. 5 minutes later, your wife has been kidnapped and you should probably go get her back. Who’s got her? His name’s Akan (Danila Kozlovsky), he’s just a psychotic megalomaniac with telekinetic powers, and a never-ending army of mercenaries. You’re also in an unfamiliar city of Moscow, Russia and everyone wants you dead. Everyone, except for a mysterious British fellow called Jimmy (Sharlto Copley). He might be on your side. Good luck Henry. You’re very much likely to need it…
Hardcore Henry is coming soon, however the release date hasn’t been confirmed.
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Source: Slash Film