“Battle in Seattle,” which uses the backdrop of the World Trade Organization summit of 1999, could have been a cliché-ridden effort painting demonstrators as the victims and the cops as villains.
But the nice thing about this documentary-like drama is it doesn't categorize anyone. You can see the various points of view. You wonder how you would handle the situation, as an official in Seattle, knowing the world was watching, or as a demonstrator, wondering just how far you should go.
The film opens with a hardly complimentary look at the WTO, damage it has done to Third World countries and why demonstrators are trying to shut down the conference.
Ray Liotta (does anyone else automatically think “Goodfellas” when they see this guy?) is open-minded Mayor Tobin. He agrees demonstrating is an American right and plays the liberal role, telling WTO opponents they are welcome to make their point. He's not going to alienate anyone and wants to look cool for the world to see, right?
Except these demonstrators aren't just expressing lip service. They literally lock arms around the building where the WTO is to meet, not letting anyone in.
Martin Henderson plays Jay, the thoughtful leader of the demonstrators, who knows what he wants to do and has a gameplan set. But he must contend with more radical elements who are for busting windows and throwing paint. He also wrestles (figuratively) with a fellow demonstrator, played by Michelle Rodgriquez, the token love interest.
Then there's Woody Harrelson, the cop, and his pregnant, happy wife, played by Charlize Theron. In a pretty unbelievable role is Connie Nielsen, who plays a TV newswoman who gets caught up with the protesters.
The Theron character, after having a doctor's visit, returns to her job at a downtown department store. When things get ugly, hubby phones her and tells her to go home. That's when a demonstrator smashes a window at the store. But with Seattle looking more like Beirut, she can't leave.
Cops, who've been told to take it easy and make no arrests, are frustrated. Reluctantly, the mayor OKs using some force and the dam falls. In a sickening scene, the Theron character, standing on a street corner, trying to figure out what to do, is clubbed in the stomach by a cop as he zips buy.
The story is a fictitious backdrop to a real event and it works for the most part. Harrelson's character especially is interesting and unpredictable.
Unfortunately a few elements don't ring true, like the discussions amongst demonstrators and the obligatory romance.
But there's enough here to recommend “Battle in Seattle.”
BATTLE IN SEATTLE
• Directed and written by Stuart Townshend
• Rated R for language and violence
• Runtime: 98 minutes in the U.S.
• 2 1⁄2 stars out of 4
WEEKENDER / Entertainment
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‘Battle in Seattle’ avoids movie cliches
ROBERT LEBZELTER / VIDEO VIPER
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