Knox Goes Away: A Hitman’s Last Stand Against Time
John Knox (Michael Keaton), a seasoned hitman, has maintained a flawless record throughout his long and dangerous career. However, the assassin now faces a new, formidable enemy: a rapidly progressing dementia that causes memory lapses and disorientation. His doctor delivers the grim news – Knox has mere weeks before he struggles to remember his own name, the day of the week, or how to drive. Compounding his troubles, Knox’s estranged son, Miles (James Marsden), reappears, seeking help after a violent altercation with a man involved with Miles’ underage daughter. Knox decides to take on one last job to help his son.
Michael Keaton as John Knox in “Knox Goes Away”
Keaton’s Directorial Vision
“Knox Goes Away,” a thriller that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, marks Michael Keaton’s second directorial venture. Similar to his previous directorial effort, the crime drama “The Merry Gentleman” released 15 years prior, Keaton also stars in the lead role. Gregory Poirier (“Thunderstruck,” “The Spy Next Door”) penned the script, marking his foray into the thriller genre.
The Killer’s Predicament
The year 2023 seems to have sparked a fascination with hitmen and their personal struggles in the world of cinema. The Venice and Toronto film festivals showcased films about contract killers from renowned directors such as David Fincher, Richard Linklater, and Woody Allen. Keaton’s film presents a killer at his most vulnerable, facing an insurmountable challenge. Knox, a former military intelligence operative turned mercenary, has always been in control of his destiny. Now, he finds himself powerless against the onslaught of his illness. The film’s central drama lies in the stark contrast between the protagonist’s professional expertise and his deteriorating physical and mental state. Knox has reached an age where his past skills are rendered useless. While it may be difficult to sympathize with a cold-blooded killer, it is undeniably poignant to witness John struggling to remember his mission during a dangerous assignment. The hitman’s condition rapidly declines, ultimately transforming him into a helpless old man.
Al Pacino as Xavier in “Knox Goes Away”
Visualizing Dementia
Keaton employs a visual approach to convey the protagonist’s illness, placing the audience in Knox’s shoes. The on-screen environment pulsates and flickers with black spots, sounds become distant, and characters appear and disappear. At times, Knox seems to slip into the past, envisioning the jungles of what is likely Vietnam.
A Nuanced Character
Knox is a complex character: a killer with two degrees who introduces his young lover (Joanna Kulig) to the works of Dostoevsky and Dickens, and a father who, despite his absences, loves his son. Facing the imminent loss of his identity, John reflects on his past, regrets his choices, and attempts to resolve his family issues. The audience is aware of the countless lives Knox has taken, but that seems to belong to a distant past. Now, he is left with a pitiful present.
Michael Keaton as John Knox in “Knox Goes Away”
Familiar Themes, Fresh Perspective
While the plot of Keaton’s film may not be entirely original, it offers a compelling narrative. Knox begins recording recent events in a notebook, reminiscent of Leonard Shelby in Christopher Nolan’s “Memento.” His disorientation and inability to distinguish between the present and the past echo the struggles of Anthony Hopkins’ character in Florian Zeller’s “The Father.” Knox also relies on his longtime friend Xavier (Al Pacino) to guide him through his final mission, similar to the dynamic in Atom Egoyan’s “Remember.” However, the combination of the plot and visual elements in Keaton’s film feels more like a pleasant recognition than a rehash.
A Noir Hero Deconstructed
Knox is a classic noir hero, but the director deconstructs the genre by placing the flawless soldier in an impossible situation. Only one truly dynamic scene showcases John’s talents; otherwise, the film maintains a measured pace, befitting a film made by an older filmmaker about an elderly protagonist. However, the weary and bewildered expressions of Keaton, the tormented family man portrayed by Marsden, and Pacino lounging in a bubble bath are endlessly captivating. “Knox Goes Away” is a well-made, old-school film that feels timeless rather than outdated. Keaton’s direction may not be groundbreaking, but his acting prowess and the script’s surprising twists make for a compelling watch.