The Walker

SYNOPSIS

Writer/director Paul Schrader is on familiar territory with this atmospheric though underdeveloped society drama. Revisiting themes from his earlier features American Gigolo and Light Sleeper, it stars Woody Harrelson as the titular "walker", Carter Page III - a gay, Washington DC-based charmer, who escorts the wives of the rich and powerful to social events. But when Carter tries to protect one of his inner circle (Kristin Scott Thomas) from scandal following the murder of her lover, his world starts to crumble. The picture's first third is a celebration of superficiality, deliciously capturing the intricacies of privileged life. Schrader's dialogue sparkles with cynical wit, and his cast, including Lauren Bacall and Lily Tomlin, adds essential depth. Harrelson is particularly pitch perfect, nailing his character's camp affectations without resorting to caricature. Unfortunately, the slack narrative can't match the fine performances, dipping its toe in too many genres and losing its direction and emotional impact in the process.