The world of film and television is a minefield of unwritten rules that even casual viewers often recognize without knowing why. Screenplays often follow established structures, like the three-act framework, while avoiding narrative pitfalls such as exposition overload. These recognizable elements form the backbone of storytelling, ensuring characters both propel a narrative and undergo transformation. However, there exists a subtler layer of “rules,” less documented, yet ubiquitous, interwoven into the fabric of narrative art.
Stepping into cinemas, Jason Statham and David Ayer’s recent offering, A Working Man, breaks these nuanced expectations, engaging audiences not only with its storyline but also with its attention to unconventional detail. Following their previous collaboration, The Beekeeper, this film introduces Levon Cade, portrayed by Jason Statham, as he navigates a quieter life post-military service. Cade, a retired Royal Marine Commando turned construction foreman, aspires to gain custody of his young daughter. The peaceful façade of his new life shatters when the daughter of his employers falls into the clutches of the Russian mafia’s human trafficking network.
As the action unfolds, Levon traces the missing Jenny Garcia to the shadowy depths of Hattie’s Saloon, a biker bar fronting for a meth operation. His cunning approach involves ingratiating himself with the meth dealers, directly connected to the estranged sibling of a Bratva chief. Here, the narrative innovatively sidesteps common screenwriting conventions. When Levon orders a beer, he casually tells the bartender “your choice,” subtly eschewing overt product associations and brand placements that often cloud cinematic realism.
This choice echoes a broader critique of how screenwriting traditionally navigates brand representation. Throughout cinematic history, directors and writers have tread carefully around real brand mentions, wary of infringing on copyrights or stepping into unarranged product placement deals. With Statham’s Levon, however, Ayer dismisses these conventions. In a world where screenplays may prominently showcase sponsor brands, as seen with Owen Grady’s Coca-Cola moment in Jurassic World, A Working Man‘s subtlety stands apart.
Fans of Jason Statham will rejoice in recognizing his return to an action hero role that demands both physicality and depth. His gritty presence and signature stunts weave seamlessly into the film’s narrative fabric, capturing attention with each frame. This attention to nuance, where even a seemingly mundane beer order becomes a point of intrigue, epitomizes the film’s strength in defying traditional norms while maintaining the high-octane energy synonymous with Statham’s film repertoire.
Moreover, A Working Man receives praise for its layered narrative, reflecting societal issues like human trafficking within its plot. Statham’s Levon emerges as a complex hero, battling not only external enemies but also his own past and personal demons. The film invites audiences into a morally complex world, where the protagonist’s journey reveals broader societal fractures, encouraging deeper reflections amid thrilling action sequences.
By intricately weaving these elements, A Working Man holds an impact that resonates beyond typical genre confines. The film’s ability to subvert recognized screenwriting norms without compromising the story’s thrilling pace or the audience’s connection with Levon enhances its appeal. Beyond the immediate allure lies recognition of Ayer and Statham’s collaborative genius in redefining cinematic engagement.
Ultimately, the film stands as evidence of Jason Statham’s ability to captivate audiences while traversing uncharted narrative territories, proving that even familiar stories can surprise when approached with innovation. As Levon Cade, Statham leaves a lasting impression, underscoring the potency of a well-crafted, nuanced narrative. In theaters now, A Working Man challenges screenwriting conventions not just through thrilling action but by redefining what it means to be a working man in today’s world.
