Michael Keaton Shares Insights on Upcoming Film “Knox Goes Away”

Key Takeaways:

– Michael Keaton plays a hitman in a film he directs and stars, “Knox Goes Away.”
– Keaton agreed to work on the film only if the story on paper held together.
– The film also features Al Pacino, James Marsden, Marcia Gay Harden, Suzy Nakamura, among others.
– It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2023.

Actor Michael Keaton has created a buzz with his new film, “Knox Goes Away,” where he steps into the director’s chair and in front of the camera. In the movie, Keaton, fondly remembered by fans for his role as Batman, portrays a hitman character, a role he has done before in 2008’s “The Merry Gentleman.”

Working on “Knox Goes Away”

During a recent zoom interview with JoBlo Celebrity Interview, Keaton revealed that he had one strict condition before agreeing to take on “Knox Goes Away.” He analogized the movie to a game of Jenga; just like in the game, if even a single piece of the movie didn’t work, the entire film would fall apart. He spent a significant amount of time confirming that the story, penned by Gregory Poirier, held up. Poirier, known for his screenplays on “National Treasure: Book of Secrets” and “The Spy Next Door,” worked closely with Keaton to ensure that the story met his condition.

A Stellar Cast

Stepping away from directorial discussions, “Knox Goes Away” features a star-studded cast. Alongside Keaton, the film includes performances from Al Pacino, James Marsden, Marcia Gay Harden, Suzy Nakamura, and John Hoogenakker. Presenting a riveting story, the ensemble cast promises to deliver extraordinary performances that keep the audiences hooked.

A First Look at “Knox Goes Away”

Michael Keaton debuted his new thriller at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2023. The movie is set to hit the theaters in the U.S. this week, and fans are eagerly awaiting its release. In the movie, Keaton shares an emotional father-son bond with James Marsden’s character.

The Storyline of “Knox Goes Away”

The movie unfolds the life of Keaton’s character, John Knox, a hitman diagnosed with a rare form of dementia. As Knox scrambles to put things in order before his worsening condition takes control of his life, he is faced with an imminent threat. His estranged son’s life is hanging by a thread due to a vengeance-driven mistake. Aided by a friend, played by Al Pacino, he races against time and law enforcement to save his son before it’s too late.

In addition to his significant roles in acting and directing, Keaton takes up further responsibility as a producer for “Knox Goes Away.”. The film’s U.S. distribution is managed by Saban Films, while international rights are secured by FilmNation Entertainment.

Mixed Reviews for “Knox Goes Away”

Receiving a 50% score on Rotten Tomatoes from initial reviews after its TIFF premiere, the film has stirred mixed responses. Praise has been leveled towards Keaton’s directorial style. On the other hand, some critics feel that the movie didn’t quite hit the mark as a spy thriller, and expressed reservations about Marsden being miscast.

The Final Take

Reflecting on his experience working on “Knox Goes Away,” Keaton seems unsure if he would embark on a similar project again. Playing the role of a person with dementia constantly left him with a whirlwind of self-doubt, wondering if the portrayal was accurate and whether the overarching story made sense.