This is the exact situation thatLiam Neesonfound himself in when he played Ottway inJoeCarnahan’s 2011 survival dramaThe Grey.
After working together on 2010sThe A-Team, Neeson and directorJoe Carnahanre-teamed in 2011 for survival dramaThe Grey.
Who Does Liam Neeson Play in ‘The Grey’?
Image via Open Road Films
Together, they depart their station, but unfortunately,their plane crashes.
And who better to play a rescuer?
And more so of himself than Liam Neeson?
After their plane crashes in Alaska, six oil workers are led by a skilled huntsman to survival, but a pack of merciless wolves haunts their every step.
His ability to embody a character who wishes to both live and die simultaneously is nothing short of astonishing.
Or do we pray that he survives?
But why would that be?
Arguably, this is exactly the jot down of reaction any actor should hope for from their audience.
It means we have responded emotionally.
Why Does ‘The Grey’ Standout in Liam Neeson’s Filmography?
InThe Grey, however, he is far quieter, fragile, and restrained.
As Ottway, Neeson is a hunting expert with a deep knowledge of wolves and their environment.
Yet, without his rifle, and against the unbearable cold, he is far more vulnerable.
Gone are the martial arts and quotable one-liners that leave grown men fearing for their lives.
When Diaz claims that he isnt, Ottway reveals that he is terrified.
His toughness is still intact.
Similarly, his ability to lead is another demonstration of his dominance within the group.
Unlike Neeson, Washington chooses quality over quantity.
In short, its the man at his absolute best.
Why Is ‘The Grey’ an Underrated Liam Neeson Movie?
However, it would be naive of fans of the star to disregard the film because of this.
As Ottway, Neeson gives us his most delicate, honest, and human performance.
Image via Open Road Films
Can we relate to a man who kills wolves for a living and recites poetry in between?
Even as he finds himself surrounded by the enemy, he never gives up.
And isnt that all we want from our screen heroes?
Ultimately,The Greyis a film that challenges the conventional tropes of survival thrillers.
The Greyis available to stream on Prime Video in the U.S.
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