The Negotiator

with Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Spacey
Directed by F. Gary Gray
Written by James DeMonaco, Kevin Fox
by Scott Hefflon

The Negotiator, like Face/Off, is more about the actors than the story. Which is good in both cases. While Face/Off tried to continuously top itself with more and more outlandish stunts, interspersed with “who will figure it out and what’ll happen then?” suspense, The Negotiator uses every trick in the “cop movie” book of clichés, yet has two masterful actors who can turn ordinary words into bold, magnificent statements. A tilt of the head, a cold or quizzical look from either of these greats is more powerful than a loaded gun.

First we rush through the set-up, knowing full well where it’s going. Danny Roman (Jackson) is a Chicago police negotiator. He’s damn good, he takes risks, he does the right thing and everyone likes and trusts him. His partner is onto a scandal involving embezzlement, doesn’t know where to turn, confides in Roman, and then is murdered. Roman, of course, is framed for the murder, as well as the embezzlement. Betrayed looks, gun, and badge are left on the way out. Roman needs to clear his name, and ends up taking hostage a guy in Internal Affairs who he thinks is trying to frame him. Lots and lots of cops show up, and Roman calls Chris Sabian (Spacey) in as the only negotiator he’ll speak with. Presumably, it’s because they don’t know each other, and Sabian couldn’t possibly be in on the cover up and conspiracy. From there on out, the rules of engagement are told, struggles for power ensue, and full breach is looming. While the puzzle is slowly coming together – to Roman, to Sabian, and to the audience – the timing is tight, the action not overdone, and the sympathy level is high. You find yourself really rooting for Roman, and when he’s in trouble, you lean forward, hoping he’ll think of some clever way to get out of it. And not to give away the climax, but he does. Surprisingly few people die, and considering the amount of talking versus shooting, it’s a miracle this movie doesn’t drag. But riveting performances by Jackson and Spacey, not to mention the methodical and emotional unraveling of the story by director F. Gary Gray (whose work includes Friday, with Ice Cube, and Set it Off, about four Black women who decide to rob a bank) make The Negotiator a powerful movie, not just another action flick.