Man on a Ledge

High concept films have graced screens for decades, however their prominence has increased of late. Indeed, a plethora of recent features have stated their premise in the title, including Snakes on a Plane, Hobo with a Shotgun, Cowboys and Aliens and We Bought a Zoo. Man on a Ledge is the latest addition to the fold, marking the feature debut of director Asger Leth (Ghosts of Cité Soleil) and TV movie writer Pablo F. Fenjves (Murder on Spec). As intimated by its moniker, the film takes place storeys above street level, as a man contemplates leaping over the edge.

The eponymous figure is Nick Cassidy (Sam Worthington, The Debt), projecting a calm exterior that hides his inner angst. After checking in to New York’s Roosevelt Hotel under a false name, he climbs out the window of his top floor room, seemingly ready to end his life. Yet his predicament is far from simple, with his recent incarceration – and subsequent 25-year sentence – revealed in flashbacks. Vowing to speak only to negotiator Lydia Mercer (Elizabeth Banks, Our Idiot Brother), he threatens to plunge to his death unless his innocence is proven.

If the success of a high concept effort was judged on its adherence to the outlined synopsis, then Man on a Ledge would be a hit. For much of the feature, Cassidy converses with Mercer whilst perched precariously on the building’s precipice, with brief cutaways to others – his brother (Jamie Bell, Jane Eyre), former colleague (Anthony Mackie, Real Steel), the hotel’s owner (Ed Harris, The Way Back) and scene supervisor (Titus Welliver, The Town) – adding to the sense of urgency.

However, an interesting plot and inventive execution is still required to lift high concept offerings out of the forgettable realm. In both aspects, Man on a Ledge disappoints, preferring cliché and contrivance over innovation and intrigue. Instead, the feature remains a mindless thriller, with little that extends the basic idea. Fast pacing and high angle shots are unable to make up for missing character development or emotional depth.

The cast continue the film’s inconsistency, with Worthington woodenly worried, and Banks the true star of the show. The many other familiar faces are relegated to token supporting roles, and perform accordingly. As a result, Man on a Ledge lacks energy, even as it delivers on the titular premise. A high concept feature that’s nothing more, the film is average yet uninspiring.

Rating: 2

Man on a Ledge
Director: Asger Leth
US, 2012, 102 min

Distributor: Hoyts
Rated M
In cinemas nationally Thursday February 2nd, 2012