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Title: Fine moviemaking and existentialism
Review: This film caused quite a debate with my 20 year old son who found it "pointless". I recalled that the writer Durenmatt was an existentialist. This explained the story. Nicholson's character, after years of acclaim, is slinking away into retirement. But he makes this last promise, uses his skills developed over many years, and is convinced to the point of obsession that he is right. Everything is set for his ultimate triumph in front of his peers, the woman he loves, and the family he made the promise to.But a chance accident not only kills the murderer but incinerates the car, not even allowing the cops to recognize the "black wagon" that Nicholson had talked about. Thus due to a chance accident his life is destroyed and he sinks into madness and alcoholism. It was the perfect ending from an existential point of view. I agree with most of the other reviewers on the performances and direction. Sean Penn is slowly becoming one of our best.
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