Rent Extreme Measures (1996)

Hugh Grant plays against type in a surprisingly solid thriller/drama that kept me hooked throughout - Extreme Measures review by TB

I really liked this film. One of the reasons why, as random as it sounds, is because in many ways it shouldn't work, or to put it slightly differently, shouldn't have worked.

Hugh Grant, after playing in many ways the same character with varying success, really pushes himself in a different direction, as well as this being his first producing gig. But as much as the role of an action star may not be a natural fit, Grant actually does good work here. He is never less than believable and the moral core that guides him is solid and not put-on.

Gene Hackman was also a real coup of a casting. Although he doesn't have much screen time, he is suitably menacing and also believable as the doctor who started out wanting to do good and who desperation and ego turned him into this demonic man with a God complex. But the film is more nuanced than that. Every single staff member is there because of a family member who has a disability. So the drive to succeed is one that everyone there is genuinely straining every sinew to make happen.

And whilst the debate of whether what is done is torture or legitimate medical research isn't of the level that Freud would be involved in, it does make you think.

There are also some enormous problems with this film, the main one being the ending. But that didn't bother me. I am always honest in these reviews and despite the issues it may have, I really enjoyed it. I really became engrossed by what was happening and the almost two hours flew past.

This film is much more than simple popcorn entertainment and I absolutely recommend it.