Liam Neeson and his never ending chase - A reflection on an era

It's been an unforgettable 14-year dance with Liam Neeson stepping into the shoes of various characters, each defined by a fierce sense of possession and control. Reflecting on this era, the shadow of 'Taken' still looms large over his career, shaping not only Neeson's action roles but also contributing to the narrative of male fantasies and rage.

"It started with a film called Taken": The Transformation of Neeson

A 2008 film directed by Pierre Morel, 'Taken' thrust Neeson into the world of action, casting him against as an ex-CIA operative. Since then, similar roles have followed, all portraying Neeson as a seemingly average man who becomes an unstoppable force after something dear is taken from him. As reported by Polygon, his peaceful life is shattered time and again, leading to thrilling bouts of violence and retribution.

From 'Taken 3' to 'Cold Pursuit,' Neeson's characters consistently offer a reflection of the white upper-class male rage in modern cinema. A dramatic change from his previously well-mannered characters, this transformation led to Neeson becoming an avatar for both vengeance and entitlement.

"Memory is still built around the thrill of seeing that bad guy unleashed": Neeson's Latest Endeavor

Neeson's film 'Memory' offered a twist on the familiar narrative. He plays Alex Lewis, a world-class assassin suffering from memory loss and declining health. Once again, his character's violent history is unearthed, this time in a race against time.

Despite the film's promise, 'Memory' has been criticized as a lesser work, with its action scenes lacking the startling brutality expected from a Neeson movie. Even Neeson's committed performance seems less surprising in 'Memory,' with "the thrill gone."

Perhaps the most compelling aspect is the film's meta-commentary on Neeson's action oeuvre. As Neeson himself stated in early 2021 about being ready to retire from action films, 'Memory' might be seen as a symbolic atonement for the violence and male rage his characters have embraced over the years.

With 'Memory,' Neeson once again proves his ability to captivate audiences, even if the film itself might not be one of his most memorable works.

Legacy and Reflection

Neeson's tenure in action cinema, starting with 'Taken,' has undeniably left a mark. His characters have revealed the complex interplay between entitlement, possession, control, and rage, all underpinned by a distinctly male fantasy.

Though 'Memory' won't define him, it serves as a reflective moment, mirroring the uncertainty and atonement of a man who's been both a hero and a villain. As we remember this era, Neeson's impact on Hollywood remains undeniable.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)