The Missing Person

With origins in early written works, detective fiction has piqued the interest of audiences for centuries. Concerned with analysis and ascertaining the truth, the tales began to take recognisable shape in the 1800s, with Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes among the best known. The exploits of private eyes emerged as an offshoot, perpetuated by Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler. Of course, cinema soon shared in the investigative spirit, with classics The Maltese Falcon and Chinatown among the most pertinent examples

Noah Buschel’s 2009 film The Missing Person embraces the detective oeuvre, whilst providing a contemporary twist on a familiar trope. Set amongst the existential malaise of post 9/11 America, the feature follows gin-swilling private investigator John Rosow (Michael Shannon, Take Shelter) from his unexpected wakening by a mysterious phone call to his return to his former home of New York. In between, he trails Harold Fullmer (Frank Wood, TV’s The Flight of the Conchords), journeying from Chicago to Los Angeles. Receiving instructions from handler Charley (Amy Ryan, Win Win), he probes the purpose of his mission, with the job posing a puzzle just waiting to be solved.

After 2003’s student art effort Bringing Rain and 2007’s biopic Neal Cassady, writer/director Buschel has crafted a film noir throwback for his third release. From the wry narration espoused by the rugged protagonist to the enigmatic mystery that underpins the narrative, and including the P.I. flourishes throughout (such as eavesdropping using a stethoscope), he steeps the movie in the ways of preceding crime dramas, with cynicism and sexual tension emanating in abundance.

Stylistically, his efforts are mirrored, courtesy of subdued aesthetics. However, the film also plays with visual contrasts, made apparent in the different approaches – in colour and tone – to the light, bright Los Angeles and dark, shadowy New York landscapes. This symmetry also infects the storyline, with the plights of the two men, investigator and target, more closely aligned than either knows. The symbolism of their parallel predicaments adds an inviting extra layer to the otherwise sparse script.

However, as often is the case in his film offerings, Shannon is the star of the show. As the perceptive detective, his controlled mannerisms say everything and nothing, conveying meaning mostly without the use of words. Indeed, his complex performance enhances the feature from engaging to irresistible. Striking and subtle in form and theme, The Missing Person is a textured genre tale.

Rating: 4 out of 4 stars

The Missing Person
Director: Noah Buschel
USA, 2009, 95 min

Out now on DVD
Distributor: Madman
Rated M