Action packed car chases, fist fights, guns, explosions and a hint of suspense- all of which come together to set up the predictable action movie. Throw in a four day coma, an illegal Bosnian immigrant and Liam Neeson and you’ve got “The Unknown.”
Also the director of The Orphan and House of Wax, Jaume Collet-Serra is known for directing a combination of thriller, mystery, horror and drama films. Although horror never comes into play in Unknown, the horrific lack of focus on the plot was a contributing factor for my slight dislike of the film.
He realizes he has left his briefcase at the airport while his wife, played by January Jones (Mad Men), is checking into the hotel. Without explaining to his wife, he returns to the airport where he is involved in a severe car accident. Luckily Gina, the taxi driver, saves him by pulling him out of the car but he slips into a coma for four days. Dr. Harris returns to his hotel to find his wife which is when all of the confusion and madness begins. He is able to find his supposed wife but she insists that she has never seen him before. This is where we meet the other Dr. Martin Harris and we learn that the true Dr. Martin Harris’ identity has been stolen.
Similar to his other movies, Collet-Serra tacks on an unexpected twist to the end solely for the purpose of throwing everybody off. The twist, although interesting and jaw dropping, was less appreciated as the plot confusion baffled my understanding rather than ending with a clear cut finish. The writers of the film failed to realize that the bits and pieces of subtle irony may confuse the audience.
