Changing Lanes Movie Review 2002

A fender-bender on the FDR pits two harried New Yorkers in an escalating battle of revenge. Banek (Affleck), a privileged Wall Street lawyer, and Gipson (Jackson), a recovering-alcoholic insurance man, both need to get to court on time. Banek to file documents crucial to his firm's success, and Gipson, to prove he's fit to retain joint custody of his two kids. Because of the accident, neither gets quite what he wants. When Gipson finds that he has the the vital document, after having been stranded by Banek (and subsequently late to the custody hearing), he begins the battle. Throughout the back and forth, the plot (and many of its excesses), gives way to a fully realized character study and thoughtful pondering of motivations, corruption, and desperation, powered by dialogue not usually seen in a "revenge" flick. Michell deftly brings out the best in every member of a talented cast.

Distribution

Paramount Home Video, 5555 Melrose Ave., 5555 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038, Phone: (323)956-5000, URL: http://www.paramount.com, Remarks: Does not handle retail queries from consumers; contact your local video distributor.

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 98 minutes.
Originally from United States.

Cast and Crew

Genres

New York, New York, Revenge, Law & Lawyers, Custody Battles, Ethics & Morals, Urban Drama, Corporate Shenanigans, Insurance

Screenplay

Michael Tolkin, Chap Taylor

Cast

Ben Affleck, Samuel L. Jackson, Toni Collette, Sydney Pollack, William Hurt, Amanda Peet, Richard Jenkins, Kim Staunton, John Benjamin Hickey, Jennifer (Jennie) Dundas Lowe, Dylan Baker, Matt Malloy

Cinematography

Salvatore Totino

Director

Roger Michell

Music

David Arnold

Other

Danny Michael, Christopher Tellefsen, Steven Graham, Ann Roth, Kristi Zea

Producer

Scott Rudin, Paramount Pictures