CIGARS IN CINEMA “Faster (2010)” by Justin Bower
Dwayne Johnson, most people know him as one of the current “action stars” in Hollywood. It would be hard to say that you have never seen a movie with him in it. Whether in a live action movie or the voice in an animated film, it’s pretty safe to assume most people have seen at least one thing with him in it. Maybe if you haven’t seen a film with him in it you probably remember him from his wrestling days as ‘The Rock’. “Do you smell what the rock is cooking?” Yea, that’s the guy. Whether it’s from his long list of action movies or his time as a professional wrestler we have been watching Dwayne Johnson kicking ass and taking names for a long time and honestly, I love him and most of his films. Today we are going to be talking about his 2010 movie, “Faster”.
This film follows Driver, real name Jimmy Cullen (only listed in the credits as Driver) played by Dwayne Johnson, as he gets out of prison and tracks down everyone who wronged him and his brother on a job. Pretty simple story so it seems. Various mishaps arise as roadblocks are set in his way while he goes on a rampage of revenge. As well as other people trying to kill him, he’s got two police detectives hot on his trail (played by Billy Bob Thorton and Carla Gugino). This movie is filled with car chases, shoot-outs and other fun action tropes and is a joy to watch. Is it my favorite movie with Dwayne Johnson? Probably not. Is it the worst movie I’ve seen him do? Big no to that as well. Take it for what it’s worth and give this one a spin, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed! Since I have been home with my broken back I decided to track down and watch a bunch of revenge themed movies and this one is always near the top of the list!
Towards the beginning of the film, Driver has a run in with Roy (the always funny Mike Epps) the bookie who he asked to track down info for him while he was in prison. Driver shows up to collect said info and finds out that Roy wants to up the price. Driver basically tells him to kiss his ass and Roy tries to bring in his Samoan bodyguard. The bodyguard sees a tattoo on Driver, it spooks him and he takes off running. This scene is why I can write about this movie for this article. When Driver walks in Roy has a huge stogie in his mouth. He has this attitude like, “I’m the man, I found all this info and my shit don’t stink”. His tune quickly changes once his bodyguard bolts and is face to face with Driver. He quickly takes his stogie out and he goes from cocky to tail between his legs real fast. I’m not sure what cigar he’s smoking as there is no band but it’s a biggie. I assume the idea behind the cigar is to show his elevated status but again, that changes quickly once he is face to face with Driver. I was told I can pick any movie as long as there is a cigar in it. This one doesn’t play too much into the story but it’s there! When you want to see an ass kicking revenge movie, give it a watch!
Trivia
For the fight scene in the club toilet, Dwayne Johnson spent two days learning “52 Blocks”, a fighting style that originated in West Coast prisons.
George Tillman Jr., who primarily directs dramas, made this film as an homage to action films from the 1970s. Tillman had no prior experience in directing action films.
It is estimated that the film earned another $17.3 million in DVD and Blu-ray sales.
Although he is listed in the credits before Carla Gugino and Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Tom Berenger is only in the film for about three minutes.
Though Driver doesn’t change his clothes during the five-day period in which the film takes place–due to his vengeance being the only thing that matters to him–costume designer Salvador Pérez Jr. actually bought thirty identical sets of clothes for Dwayne Johnson to wear throughout the shoot.
