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KNOX GOES AWAY

Starring: Michael Keaton, James Marsden, Marcia Gay Harden, Ray McKinnon, Suzy Nakamura, and Al Pacino
Director: Michael Keaton

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NICK

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Although Michael Keaton gives a good performance in Knox Goes Away, he tends to get in his own way as the director. It’s not so much the writing of the film that’s the issue, but the odd stylistic choices Keaton makes. The portrayal of dementia feels more like John Knox (Keaton) is on a hallucinogen, while the dark and shadowy colour palette clashes with the tone. Also, for a film about a man running out of time, there is a surprising lack of urgency. Things do pick up in the final act, but it's sadly too late to salvage the film.

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ADRIANO

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I love Michael Keaton, but directing is not his thing. Knox Goes Away takes a somewhat interesting concept and goes nowhere with it. Admittedly, the ending is interesting, but to get there, we have to sit through dull storytelling, weak melodrama, and a very warped interpretation of what Alzheimer’s is. Michael Keaton's (for lack of a better term) Michael Keaton-isms don't work here, which just add to the film's noticeably dour tone. Failing as both a thriller and a character drama, Knox Goes Away doesn't have much, if anything, to offer.

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QUENTIN

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I’m a Michael Keaton fan, so while I can admit Knox Goes Away is imperfect, featuring a somberly slow pace that is oddly unique, I still dug it. Keaton gives a great performance, and his efforts behind the camera demonstrate a specific style that I would like to see more of. Plus, the idea of a contract killer battling dementia is just an intriguing premise from the jump, and the third act adds just enough of a twist to make it worth the somewhat dry story to get there. If you enjoyed The Killer, I think you’ll enjoy Knox, even if it’s not quite as good.

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PAIGE

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Although Knox Goes Away is a clever attempt to offer insight into the deteriorating mind of a hitman trying to make things right before his time runs out, the film becomes increasingly disjointed as it goes on. The narrative stumbles, with an uneven pacing that makes the story lose its tension. Additionally, I believe that by directing and starring in the film, Michael Keaton bit off a little more than he could chew. Overall, despite being a mediocre drama, Keaton's performance makes us care about the character and the movie.

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This film was reviewed by Nick and Adriano as part of Bitesize Breakdown's coverage of the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival.

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