Dead Man's Wire

On paper, Gus Van Sant’s true-crime kidnapping saga is a fascinating story with an amazing, unexpected result. But because of this result, tensions can only escalate to a certain point, and then plateau. It’s ironic, I guess, that the action and suspense are hampered by the facts. So, it’s an engaging tale, just not a very cinematic one. Surprising details about the incident unfold. The cops, the reporters, and a local DJ all play roles in the slow-burn chaos. But the film intends to teach and inform rather than entertain. So the “action” is middling. It’s not, in any sense, bad. But (spoiler alert), don’t expect a De Palma-style shoot-out with Pacino careening over a guardrail.