Max Payne (Film)

Max Payne is a American neo-noir action film based on the 2001 video game of the same name by Remedy Entertainment. It was written and directed by John Blake. The film stars Tom Cruise in the title role as Max Payne, Eva Green as Mona Sax, Bryan Cranston as Jim Bravura and Michelle Pfeiffer as Nicole Horne. The film revolves around revenge, centering on a policeman's journey through New York City's criminal underworld, as he investigates the deaths of his wife and child.

The film centers around the NYPD Detective Max Payne, who attempts to avenge the murder of his family. It draws inspiration from hard-boiled detective novels by authors like Mickey Spillane. The film contains many allusions to Norse mythology, particularly the myth of Ragnarök, and several of the names used in the film are those of the Norse gods and mythos. The action is heavily influenced by the Hong Kong action cinema genre, particularly the work of director John Woo.

Max Payne received very positive reviews and was praised for its action sequences, noir-inspired visual style and story. Critically acclaimed, the film won a large number of accolades, including 2 Academy Awards for Best Cinematography and Best Film Editing.

Cast

 * Tom Cruise as Max Payne
 * Eva Green as Mona Sax/Lisa Sax (Punchinello)
 * Bryan Cranston as Jim Bravura
 * Benedict Cumberbatch as Vladimir Lem
 * Ethan Hawke as Vinnie Gognitti
 * Stellen Skarsgard as Alfred Woden
 * Tim Roth as Jack Lupino
 * Dominic West as Angelo Punchinello
 * Michelle Pfeiffer as Nicole Horne
 * James Spader as BB
 * Robert Redford as Alex Balder

Development
Darren Aronofsky attached to direct a film adaptation of the game from a screenplay by John Blake, with production slated to begin in March. Executives wanted the budget to stay below $30 million, but Aronofsky felt that amount would not be adequate to fund the film. On November 13, It was reported that Aronofsky would no longer direct the film. Reports confirmed that the film was back in production, with John Blake directing after he impressed the studio with both his script and his directorial debut Bloodline. But production was delayed due to Blake having to rewrite a draft of the Metal Gear Solid film, but returned to normal after finishing the draft. Originally the budget was $50 million but escalated to $75 million and caused clashes with the studio.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ryan Gosling, Alexander Skarsgård, Ewan McGregor, Robert Pattinson, Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Michael Fassbender, Bradley Cooper, Leonardo Dicaprio, Joel Kinnaman, Russell Crowe, Chris Pine, Ryan Reynolds and Jon Hamm were considered to play the lead role before Tom Cruise was cast.

Salma Hayek, Rose McGowan, Angelina Jolie, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams, Helena Bonham Carter, Scarlett Johansson, Anne Hathaway and Jennifer Lawrence were all considered to play the role of Mona Sax before Eva Green was cast.

Filming
On a budget of $75 million, principal photography began on August 1, 2017, in Vancouver under the codename "Painkiller". Filming lasted for two to three months before finishing on November 7, 2017.

Reception
The film received critical acclaim with critics highlighted the film's narrative, acting, visuals and action sequences, but were critical of the graphic violence.