Knives Out

Chris Evans Director: Rian Johnson Rian Johnson

Overview

On his 85th birthday, acclaimed crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) is found dead in his room with his throat slit. Just as authorities are about to dismiss the tragedy as suicide due to the lack of evidence to prove otherwise, Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) arrives at the scene to conduct his own investigation. Soon, it is revealed that all of Thrombey's family have a reason to murder the family's patriarch. Will Marta (Ana de Armas), the dead man's caregiver and most trusted confidante, be able to help identify who the killer is? Written and directed by Rian Johnson.

Product Details

Release Date:	02/25/2020
UPC:	0031398314936
Original Release:	2019
Rating:	PG-13
Source:	Summit Inc/Lionsgate
Region Code:	1
Presentation:	[Wide Screen]
Sound:	[Dolby AC-3 Surround Sound]
Time:	2:10:00
Sales rank:	22

Special Features

Audio commentary by writer-director Rian Johnson, director of photography Steve Yedlin, and actor Noah Segan; Deleted scenes with optional audio commentary by Rian Johnson; "Rian Johnson: Planning the Perfect Murder" featurette; Marketing gallery; "Meet the Thrombeys" viral ads; English Descriptive Audio; English SDH subtitles

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Chris Evans	Ransom Robinson
Katherine Langford	Meg Thrombrey
Daniel Craig	Benoit Blanc
Michael Shannon	Walt Thrombrey
Jamie Lee Curtis	Linda Robinson
Ana deArmas	Marta Cabrera
Don Johnson	Richard Drysdale
Toni Collette	Joni Trombey
LaKeith Stanfield	Lieutenant Elliott
Christopher Plummer	Harlan Thrombey
Jaeden Martell	Jacob Thrombey
Riki Lindhome	Donna Thrombey
Edi Patterson	Fran
Frank Oz	Alan Stevens
K Callan	Greatnana Wanetta
Noah Segan	Trooper Wagner
M. Emmet Walsh	Mr. Proofroc
Marlene Forte	Marta's Mom
Raúl Castillo	Cop
Shyrley Rodriguez	Alicia
Kerry Frances	Sally
Gary Tanguay	Local News Anchor
Octavia Chavez-Richmond	Other Woman

Technical Credits

Rian Johnson

Rian Johnson	Director,Producer,Screenwriter
Ram Bergman	Producer
Chantal Birdsong	Set Decoration/Design
Dino Castelli	Asst. Director
James Christopher	Asst. Director
David Crank	Production Designer
Bob Ducsay	Editor
Jenny Eagan	Costumes/Costume Designer
Amy Greene	Production Manager
Leopold Hughes	Co-producer
Nathan Johnson	Score Composer
Nikos Karamigios	Co-producer
Tom Karnowski	Executive Producer,Production Manager
Drew Kunin	Sound Mixer
Al Nelson	Sound/Sound Designer
Angela Peri	Casting
Chris Stinson	Production Manager
Mary Vernieu	Casting
Jeremy Woodward	Art Director
Steve Yedlin	Cinematographer

Scene Index

Disc #1 -- Knives Out
1. Chapter 1 [:00]
2. Chapter 2 [5:27]
3. Chapter 3 [15:54]
4. Chapter 4 [10:25]
5. Chapter 5 [12:41]
6. Chapter 6 [5:21]
7. Chapter 7 [5:01]
8. Chapter 8 [3:45]
9. Chapter 9 [8:29]
10. Chapter 10 [5:33]
11. Chapter 11 [9:45]
12. Chapter 12 [6:19]
13. Chapter 13 [5:54]
14. Chapter 14 [6:02]
15. Chapter 15 [2:56]
16. Chapter 16 [18:00]
17. Chapter 17 [8:28]

Menu

Disc #1 -- Knives Out
   Play Movie
   Scenes
   Set Up
      English 5.1 Dolby Audio
      English Descriptive Audio
      French 5.1 Dolby Audio
      Spanish 5.1 Dolby Audio
      English Subtitles: On
      English SDH Subtitles: On
      French Subtitles: On
      Spanish Subtitles: On
      Subtitles: Off
   Special Features
      Audio Commentary With Writer/Director Rian Johnson, Director Of Photography Steve Yedlin And Actor Noah Segan: On
      Audio Commentary With Writer/Director Rian Johnson, Director Of Photography Steve Yedlin And Actor Noah Segan: Off
      Deleted Scenes
         Play All
         Play All With Commentary By Rian Johnson: On
         Bicycling Accident
         Don't Do Anything Rash
      Rian Johnson: Planning The Perfect Murder
      Marketing Gallery
         Teaser Trailer
         Theatrical Trailer
         Final Trailer
         Ode To The Murder Mystery
         Meet The Thrombeys Viral Ads
            Play All
            Thrombey Real Estate
            Blood Like Wine Publishing
            Flam
      Also From Lionsgate

Editorial Reviews

Director Rian Johnson has successfully created a genuine mystery tale, an intricate and alluring silver-screen stage play. Unfolding as a modern whodunnit, Knives Out keeps the genre fresh and exciting all the way through its 130-minute runtime. The massive cast of characters blends expertly well with each other, impressive considering the scope of the film. Filled with a constant sense of distressing enjoyment, Knives Out is ultimately about mystery wrapped in fun, and audiences are treated to plenty of both. Also penned by Johnson, the story moves quickly and is never over-the-top with its complexities. There is a lot packed into this movie, filled to the brim with subtle humor, intriguing concepts, and good old-fashioned detective work. Known as the "last of the gentleman sleuths," Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig), is anonymously called on to investigate the suicide of famed mystery author Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer). Harlan's children, Linda (Jamie Lee Curtis) and Walt (Michael Shannon), together with in-laws, Joni (Toni Collette) and Richard (Don Johnson), are all brought into questioning, as something appears fishy. The authorities also investigate Harlan's grandchildren and hired help, including Marta (Ana de Armas), his personal nurse, and Ransom (Chris Evans), the black sheep of the family. As Blanc pieces together the retelling of the night before, the family's insecurities and dramas all start to unfold. Perhaps the most extraordinary feat Knives Out accomplishes is the seamlessness of it all. The film flows perfectly, dropping hints and clues throughout, while never holding the audience's hand. Johnson spins together a mystery-drama that is not only intense, but light-hearted and an absolute blast to watch. The vast cast of characters is altogether interesting, as everyone is unique and contributes to the story. Daniel Craig is hilarious as Beniot Blanc, highlighted by his emphasized southern drawl and consistent quips of intelligence. By combining this cast with an intriguing story and the masterful setting (seemingly popping right out of the game of "Clue"), Johnson expertly weaves the film together. If there is one negative to the film, there looks to be a bit of "cinematic convenience" as the story unfolds, and the mystery is solved. Johnson made the decision to concentrate on the journey rather than the big reveal, and the ending does consequently take a small hit. This minor blemish is just a minor disappointment from an otherwise great movie. Almost giving off the aura of a live show, the engaging nature of Knives Out is its biggest accomplishment. Never a dull moment, the dysfunctional Thrombey family is a treat to watch. It is as if each scene ends with a cliffhanger, as the audience constantly and increasingly wonders what comes next. The very definition of a family film, Knives Out is a pleasant getaway and a highly recommended crime-drama.

All Movie Guide - Travis Norris