Review of Antitrust

Introduction

What do you do if someone is watching your every move? How do you beat them at their own game? This is the task that faces young computer genius Milo Hoffman (Ryan Phillippe - Cruel Intentions) after he begins to uncover some clues linking his company NURV, run by Gary Winston (Tim Robbins - Dead Man Walking), to the murder of his best friend. Along with his girlfriend Alice (Claire Forlani - Meet Joe Black) he must uncover the truth before it`s too late.

The plot for AntiTrust may be fairly simple, but after all, one must judge a movie not only on its plot, but also the calibre of its script, acting and overall execution. And this is where the movie succeeds. Hollywood has released quite a few average computer thrillers recently (kickstarted by the legendary Wargames), but none seem to sit as well as this. AntiTrust is a story of coping with loss, betrayal and discovery, a movie that isn`t just some geeky, jargon-filled, pile of crap.

Ryan Phillippe portrays Hoffman well, and you do sense that this character is vulnerable, and not just an Internet surfing weirdo. Claire Forlani is also good as his girlfriend, she plays the part with real conviction. And on the sidelines is a sexy young programmer played by Rachel Leigh Cook - and her character creates the love triangle that is never explored as much as it could have been. Cook gives her character plenty of depth, and she is perhaps the most vulnerable of the three, due to a plagued past.

Propping up the main characters is Tim Robbins` company CEO - a man who is slowly turning into a megalomaniac due to his intent on dominating the global business market thanks to his latest invention, SYNAPSE: a program that will allow data communication on every form of electronic medium. Bill Gates eat your heart out.

Video

It is presented in 2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen, and the palette is used to good effect. There are no compression signs, and the visuals are constantly deep. The print is also crisp and clear throughout.

AntiTrust does have quite a few computer sequences, which will keep you engaged, and for the sake of people who don`t live and breathe computers, they aren`t jargon-filled.

There is also the odd action scene, and they are directed well by Brit helmer Peter Howitt, and choeographed to be as tense as possible.

Audio

A DD 5.1 track is on offer, and the surrounds are used well during the action scenes, and the subwoofer is given a good workout. The main audio stream is also crisp and clear throughout, and the ambience level is just right.

The script in AntiTrust is sharp and original, and it packs a fair few twists. Howard Franklin has researched the subject material well, and each character is rounded and developed.

Features

The following extras are on offer:

Commentary with Director & Film Editor - Peter Howitt and Zach Staenberg lend their vocals to this informative supplement. Well worth listening to on repeat viewings.

Deleted Scenes - 7 scenes are available, each with a commentary from Howitt. They add to the story, and 3 of them focus on the relationship between Phillippe and Cook`s characters, which is good to see as it isn`t really expanded on in the movie. One particular deleted scene featuring Milo and Alice is the reason why the disc is rated `15`.

Alternate Opening & Ending Sequence - again, this is supplied with a commentary from Howitt and is basically a montage featuring the NERV logo.

AntiTrust: Cracking The Code - this is a very informative 23 minute documentary, that instead of being poitnless PR fluff, actually offers an interesting insight into the production process. It features interviews with the main players and scenes from the movie.

Music Video - "When It All Goes Wrong Again" by Everclear: a track that is featured in the movie.

Theatrical Trailer - the standard affair.

The menus are static.

AntiTrust is supplied in a white Amaray case, with the chapter listings printed on the inside cover.

Conclusion

The movie is intriguing and engaging, and contains intelligent directing and good performances. It should appeal to most people, due to its thrilling and twisting nature, and original angle.

Disc wise, everything is above board visually and audio wise, and the extras are informative enough, with the highlight being the documentary.

Overall, this is a good package, and worth spending a few notes on.