Revolver 2005: A Masterclass in Confidence Tricks and Mind Games

If you are looking for a movie that will challenge your mind and keep you guessing until the end, you might want to check out Revolver 2005, a action thriller film co-written and directed by Guy Ritchie. The film stars Jason Statham as Jake Green, a gambler who seeks revenge on Dorothy Macha (Ray Liotta), a ruthless casino owner who sent him to prison for seven years. Along the way, he encounters two mysterious loan sharks, Zack (Vincent Pastore) and Avi (André Benjamin), who offer him protection and guidance in exchange for his money and loyalty.

Revolver 2005 is not your typical crime movie. It is a complex and layered story that explores the themes of ego, identity, deception, and enlightenment. The film is influenced by philosophy and Buddhism, and uses chess metaphors and symbolism to illustrate the psychological battles between the characters. The film also features a twist ending that reveals the true nature of Jake’s enemies and allies.

In this article, we will take a closer look at Revolver 2005 and analyze its plot, characters, and message. We will also discuss some of the criticisms and controversies that the film faced upon its release. Finally, we will explain why Revolver 2005 is a underrated gem that deserves more attention and appreciation.

What is Revolver 2005 about?

Revolver 2005 is set in an unnamed city where gambling and crime are rampant. Jake Green is a former con artist who spent seven years in solitary confinement for a robbery that he was forced to commit by Dorothy Macha, a powerful and violent casino owner. During his time in prison, Jake studied various books on games, mathematics, and psychology, and developed a formula that allows him to win any game or con.

After his release, Jake becomes a successful gambler who amasses a fortune by using his formula. He decides to confront Macha at his casino and humiliates him by winning a large bet against him. Macha orders his men to kill Jake, but Jake escapes with the help of his brother Billy (Andrew Howard) and their friend Joe (Stephen Walters).

As Jake leaves the casino, he is approached by a man who gives him a card with a phone number on it. The man tells Jake that he can help him if he ever needs it. Jake soon collapses on the street and is taken to a hospital, where he learns that he has a rare blood disease that will kill him in three days. He also receives a phone call from Macha, who tells him that he has put a bounty on his head.

Jake then receives another phone call from the man who gave him the card. The man introduces himself as Zack, and tells Jake that he is a loan shark who can offer him protection from Macha’s hitmen. Zack also reveals that he has another partner named Avi, who is also on the phone. Zack and Avi tell Jake that they know about his formula and his disease, and that they can help him cure both. However, they demand that Jake gives them all his money and follows their instructions without question.

Jake agrees to their terms, and meets them at their hotel room. There, Zack and Avi explain that they are not ordinary loan sharks, but rather \”financial artists\” who use money as a tool to manipulate people’s minds. They tell Jake that they have been watching him for a long time, and that they have a plan to help him defeat Macha and his own ego.

Zack and Avi then subject Jake to a series of tests and challenges that are designed to break down his defenses and expose his weaknesses. They also reveal some secrets about Macha’s past and his connection to Jake. They claim that they are doing this to help Jake achieve enlightenment and freedom from his fears.

Meanwhile, Macha becomes increasingly paranoid and obsessed with finding Jake. He hires an assassin named Sorter (Mark Strong) to track him down and kill him. Sorter is a cold-blooded killer who has no remorse for his victims, but he also has a hidden soft spot for children.

The film culminates in a final confrontation between Jake and Macha at Macha’s casino, where the truth about their relationship and the nature of Zack and Avi’s plan is revealed.

Who are the main characters of Revolver 2005?

The film features a talented cast of actors who bring the complex and intriguing characters to life. Here are some of the main characters of Revolver 2005 and their roles in the story:

Jake Green (Jason Statham) – The protagonist of the film, a former con artist and gambler who seeks revenge on Macha for sending him to prison. He has a formula that allows him to win any game or con, but he also suffers from a rare blood disease that will kill him in three days. He agrees to work with Zack and Avi, who claim to help him cure his disease and defeat his ego.
Dorothy Macha (Ray Liotta) – The antagonist of the film, a ruthless and violent casino owner who has a history with Jake. He is obsessed with finding and killing Jake, and he also suffers from paranoia and hallucinations. He hires Sorter, a professional assassin, to eliminate Jake and anyone who gets in his way.
Zack (Vincent Pastore) and Avi (André Benjamin) – Two mysterious loan sharks who offer Jake protection and guidance in exchange for his money and loyalty. They are not ordinary loan sharks, but rather \”financial artists\” who use money as a tool to manipulate people’s minds. They have a plan to help Jake achieve enlightenment and freedom from his fears.
Sorter (Mark Strong) – A cold-blooded killer who works for Macha. He has no remorse for his victims, but he also has a hidden soft spot for children. He is an expert marksman and a master of disguise. He becomes conflicted when he learns the truth about Jake and Macha.
Lily Walker (Francesca Annis) – A mysterious woman who appears in Jake’s visions and flashbacks. She is the widow of Sam Gold, a legendary gangster who was Macha’s mentor and partner. She has a connection to Jake and his formula.

What are the reception and reviews of Revolver 2005?

Revolver 2005 received mixed to negative reviews from critics and audiences alike. The film was criticized for being confusing, pretentious, and self-indulgent, and for wasting the talents of its cast. The film also faced controversy for its religious and philosophical references, and for its violent and graphic scenes.

The film currently holds a 15% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 68 reviews, with an average rating of 3.6/10. The website’s critical consensus reads, \”In attempting to meld his successful previous formulas with philosophical musings, Guy Ritchie has produced an incoherent misfire.\” On Metacritic, the film has a score of 25 out of 100 based on 29 critics, indicating \”generally unfavorable reviews\”.

Some critics praised the film for its stylish direction, cinematography, and soundtrack, and for its ambitious and original concept. However, most critics found the film to be a mess of ideas that failed to deliver a coherent or satisfying story. Some critics also accused the film of being a rip-off of other films, such as Fight Club, The Usual Suspects, and The Matrix.

The film was also a box office flop, grossing only $7.2 million worldwide against a budget of $27 million. The film was released in different versions in different countries, with some scenes being cut or added depending on the market. The film was also re-edited by Ritchie several times after its initial release, resulting in different versions with different running times and endings.

What is the soundtrack and score of Revolver 2005?

The soundtrack and score of Revolver 2005 are composed by Nathaniel Méchaly, a French musician and composer who has worked on several films by Luc Besson and Guy Ritchie. The soundtrack features 11 tracks that blend classical, electronic, and rock music to create a tense and atmospheric mood for the film.

The soundtrack also includes songs by other artists, such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Gabriel Fauré, Antonio Vivaldi, David Axelrod, Richie Hawtin, and Electrelane. The songs are used to enhance the themes and emotions of the film, such as revenge, deception, enlightenment, and ego.

The soundtrack was released on October 18, 2005 by Europacorp, the production company of Luc Besson. The soundtrack received positive reviews from critics and fans, who praised its diversity and originality. The soundtrack is available on various platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music, and IMDb.

Who is the director and writer of Revolver 2005?

The director and writer of Revolver 2005 is Guy Ritchie, a British filmmaker who is known for his stylish and fast-paced crime films. Ritchie co-wrote the film with Luc Besson, a French filmmaker who is also the producer of the film and the founder of EuropaCorp, the production company behind Revolver 2005.

Guy Ritchie is best known for his films Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998), Snatch (2000), RocknRolla (2008), Sherlock Holmes (2009) and its sequel Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011), The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015), King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017), and The Gentlemen (2019). He is also the ex-husband of pop star Madonna, with whom he made the critically panned film Swept Away (2002).

Luc Besson is best known for his films La Femme Nikita (1990), Léon: The Professional (1994), The Fifth Element (1997), The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999), Lucy (2014), and Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017). He is also the creator of the popular Transporter, Taken, and Taxi film franchises.

What is the dual audio feature of Revolver 2005?

The dual audio feature of Revolver 2005 is a feature that allows the viewers to watch the film in two different languages: Hindi and English. The film has been dubbed in Hindi by professional voice actors who match the tone and emotion of the original actors. The film also has subtitles in both languages for the convenience of the viewers.

The dual audio feature of Revolver 2005 is a great option for the fans of the film who want to enjoy it in their preferred language. It is also a good way to introduce the film to a wider audience who may not be familiar with the English language or the British accent. The dual audio feature of Revolver 2005 enhances the viewing experience and adds more value to the film.

Conclusion

Revolver 2005 is a film that challenges the mind and the senses of the viewers. It is a film that explores the themes of ego, identity, deception, and enlightenment through a complex and layered story of revenge and redemption. The film features a talented cast of actors who deliver captivating performances, and a stylish and original direction by Guy Ritchie. The film also has a diverse and atmospheric soundtrack and score by Nathaniel Méchaly and other artists. The film has a dual audio feature that allows the viewers to watch it in Hindi or English, depending on their preference. The film has received mixed to negative reviews from critics and audiences, but it also has a cult following of fans who appreciate its ambition and originality. Revolver 2005 is a film that deserves more attention and appreciation, as it is a unique and intriguing film that offers a different perspective on the genre of crime thriller.