With a career that stretches back almost five decades, it’s hard to believe that Michael Keaton never stepped behind the camera to direct a feature film. Perhaps he was waiting for the right script to come along. And if he was he couldn’t have chosen a better one than Knox Goes Away.
Knox Goes Away follows the story of a hitman named John Knox (Keaton) who discovers that he’s suffering from a quick acting form of dementia. The doctor gives him weeks, not months, to get his life in order before his mental facilities slip away. The only problem is his estranged son gets himself into a bit of trouble and needs help getting out of it. Even though time is ticking, John will do everything he can to help.
The writer of Knox Goes Away clearly had several ways he could have gone with the story. But choosing to make this film a drama instead of an action film was the right choice. He focuses on the disease, and the people affected by it, instead of the career the main character had. In doing so, audiences can feel sympathy for him. Knox is one of his best characters ever, and should get noticed come awards season.
There are scenes in Knox Goes Away that will make you cry, make you laugh, and keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s what makes it one of the best movies of the year, and one not to be missed.
- Rated: NR
- Genre: Drama
- Release Date: 9/10/2023
- Directed by: michael keaton
- Starring: Al Pacino, James Marsden, Marcia Gay Harden, michael keaton, Suzy Nakamura
- Produced by: Ashley Zalta, Michael Sugar, Nick Gordon, Trevor Matthews
- Written by: Gregory Poirier
- Studio: Brookstreet Pictures, Sugar23, Three Point Capital
