Some films give the impression that they have provided more fun to the people making them than to the people watching them. One such impression can be given by the 2002 thriller drama Assassination Tango, written, directed, and produced by Robert Duvall, one of the greatest actors of American cinema in the last decades of the 20th century.
The film's plot revolves around John J. Anderson (played by Duvall), ageing hitman who provides for his girlfriend Maggie (played by Kathy Baker) and her 10-year old daughter Jenny (played by Katherine Micheaux Miller). When offered a lucrative new job that would allow him to retire, he agrees. He travels to Buenos Aires where he would have to kill Argentinian general, apparently involved in atrocities during military dictatorship decades earlier. The mission, which was supposed to take three days, suddenly gets complicated and John J. is forced to spend extra few weeks before he gets opportunity to strike at his target. In the meantime he wanders around the city streets and discovers passion for tango, which would make him take dance lessons by beautiful instructor Manuela (played by Luciana Padraza).
Duvall, who has apparently learned a thing or two about directing while being directed by some of American cinema giants during his long and illustrious career, has created a film that is deeply personal to him. His fans might call it a "labor of love," while detractors might dismiss it as a "vanity project." The script gives Duvall the opportunity to showcase his versatility as an actor, transforming his character who is, in a way, actor himself – person that can transform from dedicated family man into ruthless assassin before he rediscovers himself as a hopeless romantic and dance enthusiast.
Those expecting a clever and effective crime thriller will be disappointed, as the film pays less attention to the plot and more to the character study. Even more disappointed will be those who expect the film to delve into the tragic history of Argentina and possibly even the US role in the abuses of the military dictatorship. The film, like the character himself, doesn't care about politics and uses it only as an exotic backdrop. Duvall, a great tango enthusiast in real life, spends an enormous amount of time and energy depicting his favorite dance, as well as the whole dance scene of Buenos Aires. His longtime girlfriend and future wife, Luciana Pedraza, was cast in the role of a dance instructor, adding extra personal touch to the film.
The main issue with Assassination Tango is its pace, which requires plenty of patience from most viewers. The film moves at a leisurely tempo, focusing on the characters' interactions and the intricate dance sequences.
Assassination Tango is a solid film, but hardly a masterpiece. It could be recommended mainly to fans of Duvall, tango, and films with quirky premises and characters.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
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