Survival quest …

Christian Century, August 28, 2002 by C. Eugene Bryant

DID I SEE the same Road to Perdition that John Petrakis describes (Film, July 17-30)? I noticed only a few of the strengths and none of the weaknesses he mentions. He falls prey to the common reviewers' error: assuming that the murder of Michael Sullivan's wife and younger son sets off a quest for revenge. In fact, it is a quest for survival. Sullivan has already learned, on a visit to one of John Rooney's enemies, that his life is forfeit to Connor. He understands, as did Michael Corleone in The Godfather, that the only chance of safety for himself and his surviving son lies with the deaths of Connor and Rooney. A simple revenge story would not capture our imaginations so well.

Equally bewildering is Petrakis's insistence that Tom Hanks is not believable in the role of Michael Sullivan. I disagree. Hanks's performance is a significant demonstration of his maturity.

Finally, Petrakis suggests that the script is too soft to carry a strong story. What would make it stronger? The script qualifies for "edge of our seats" honors. The ending is breaktakingly beautiful, even with its violence. As the days pass, I appreciate Road to Perdition even more. Perhaps Petrakis will too one day.

C. Eugene Bryant First Christian Church, Newton, Iowa