 Untraceable is a 2008 thriller film which stars Diane Lane, Joseph Cross, Billy Burke, and Colin Hanks. It was directed by Gregory Hoblit and is distributed by Screen Gems. The film is a social commentary on Internet schadenfreude.
Set in Portland, Oregon, the film involves a serial killer who rigs contraptions that kill his victims based on the number of hits received by a website ("www.killwithme.com") that features a live streaming video of the victim. Naturally, millions of people log on, hastening the victims' violent deaths. Lane plays the protagonist, a cybercop named Jennifer Marsh, who pieces the mystery together, at great risk to the personal well-being of herself and her family.
Reception
Untraceable opened on January 25, 2008 to generally negative reviews, receiving a 13% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on ninety-seven reviews. Several critics viewed the film as hypocritical for indulging in the "torture porn" it condemns. It also met criticism for its climax which was seen as devolving into horror film clichés.Lane, however, was praised for her performance in the film.The film opened poorly, with an opening weekend of $11 million, far below the $60 million budget.
Production
The film was shot in and around Portland, Oregon. A temporary studio was constructed in Clackamas, Oregon where all non-location photography was done, mostly interiors, including the FBI's cyber division, Marsh's house, the FBI building elevator, several basements, etc. A scene set on the east end of the Broadway Bridge was shot both on the actual bridge as well as at the studio. A faux diner was built underneath the Broadway bridge, which was used in the movie. The construction of this set took less than twelve hours. The birthday party for Haney-Jardine's character was filmed in the roller skating rink of Oaks Amusement Park.
Directed by Gregory Hoblit
Written by Mark Brinker
Allison Burnett
Robert Fyvolent
Starring Diane Lane
Colin Hanks
Billy Burke
Joseph Cross
Mary Beth Hurt
Distributed by Screen Gems
Release date(s) January 25, 2008
Country United States
Language English
Budget $60,000,000 |
