‘Motor City’ Review: A Dialogue-Free Crime Thriller Set in 1977 Detroit
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Variety reports that "Motor City," a new crime thriller directed by Potsy Ponciroli, features no dialogue and relies on music and visual storytelling. The film is set in Detroit in 1977 and follows John Miller, an ex-con and Vietnam veteran played by Alan Ritchson, who is in love with his girlfriend Sophia, played by Shailene Woodley. The plot involves Miller being set up by a drug kingpin named Reynolds, played by Ben Foster, after Miller took Sophia from him. The film uses needle drops, including Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain" and Donna Summer's "I Feel Love," to heighten dramatic scenes. According to the review, the film's final act loses its musical needle drops and features a less effective score, and the epilogue is described as a miscalculation. "Motor City" opens July 24, according to the source.
What’s reported
"Motor City" is a crime thriller with no dialogue, directed by Potsy Ponciroli.
The film is set in Detroit in 1977.
John Miller (Alan Ritchson) is an ex-con and Vietnam veteran.
Sophia (Shailene Woodley) is Miller's live-in girlfriend.
Reynolds (Ben Foster) is a wealthy and powerful drug kingpin.
Miller receives a 25-year sentence for possession of narcotics after being set up by Reynolds.
The film uses needle drops including Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain," David Bowie's "Cat People (Putting Out Fire)," Donna Summer's "I Feel Love," and the Moody Blues' "Nights in White Satin."
The last part of the movie replaces needle drops with a suspense score, which the review calls a violation of the film's aesthetic.
The epilogue, set many years later, is described as a miscalculation.
The film opens July 24.
Key figures
Potsy Ponciroli – director of "Motor City"
Alan Ritchson – actor playing John Miller
Shailene Woodley – actress playing Sophia
Ben Foster – actor playing Reynolds
Chad St. John – writer of "Motor City"
Sources: Variety
