Walker

Boasting a terrific cast, led by the always-watchable Woody Harrelson, Paul Schrader’s The Walker is an entertaining drama that was overlooked by many in cinemas, but is worth taking for a spin on DVD. The Walker sees Harrelson starring as Carter Page III, a man whose job it is to escort the wives of powerful men to the events that their husbands, for whatever reason, cannot take them to. And it’s all looking like a good life, until a murder derails everything. Page agrees to help cover things up, which naturally spins out a web of events that tests both his conflicting loyalty, and his honesty. It’s the kind of set-up that in lesser hands could have amounted to very little, but The Walker has Paul Schrader behind the camera. It’s effectively the third in a loose trilogy of films he’s made (the companion pieces being Light Sleeper and American Gigolo), and his steady hand delivers a intriguing and very watchable drama. Schrader is, of course, able to attract quite a cast, and the call sheet serves The Walker well. Harrelson is in fine form in the best role he’s had in some time, while the supporting cast of Lauren Bacall, Kristin Scott Thomas, Lily Tomlin and Willem Dafoe add a stature and magnitude to the film. The result is a quality drama, very well acted and tightly put together. Thus, even if you missed The Walker during its brief theatrical run, there’s little reason not to pick it up now. Good stuff.