Liam Neeson’s 2014 action thriller A Walk Among Tombstones is currently gaining attention on Paramount+, yet many viewers find the original book by Lawrence Block to be a more compelling experience. Known for his diverse roles, Neeson became widely recognized as an action star following the release of Taken, and this film adds to his varied thriller portfolio.
While the Taken franchise attracted mixed critical reviews, it resonated well with audiences, paving the way for Neeson’s continued presence in action films. His career has seen both highs, like the praised survival drama The Grey, and lows, such as the less well-received Wrath of the Titans. A Walk Among Tombstones falls somewhere in the middle, demonstrating Neeson’s consistent ability as an action lead, even if the film itself has its limitations.
The Film’s Adaptation Falls Short Compared to the Original Novel
Directed and written by Scott Frank, A Walk Among the Tombstones is adapted from Lawrence Block’s noir crime novel. The story follows private investigator Matthew Scudder, played by Neeson, who is hired by a drug dealer to track down the people behind his wife’s brutal kidnapping and murder.
Matthew Scudder had appeared on screen before in the 1986 film 8 Million Ways to Die, where Jeff Bridges took on the role. Although Neeson’s portrayal has been generally better received, the movie adaptation still faces criticism. While Frank’s direction successfully captures the dark and gritty atmosphere of Block’s novel, the film simplifies Scudder’s character by cutting key personal relationships and instead focuses more heavily on action scenes.
These changes result in an entertaining thriller but one that loses much of the novel’s depth and suspense. Fans often agree that Block’s original book delivers a richer experience, as it preserves the story’s complexity and character nuances that the film overlooks. Despite Neeson being a strong fit for Scudder’s role, the movie does not fully translate the essence of the novel to the screen.
Potential for a Sequel Series Based on Matthew Scudder Novels
The novel A Walk Among the Tombstones and its predecessor 8 Million Ways to Die are just two books in a larger collection of Matthew Scudder stories penned by Lawrence Block. Had the film performed better commercially, multiple sequels drawing from this extensive source material would likely have been pursued.
Both Liam Neeson and Scott Frank had expressed openness to continuing this collaboration, suggesting that sequels could have addressed some of the film’s shortcomings. Further installments would have allowed deeper exploration of Scudder’s moral complexities and personal struggles, aspects that the first movie only touched upon lightly.
Cast Highlights and Character Roles
Liam Neeson stars as Matthew Scudder, the gritty detective at the center of the story. Alongside him, Dan Stevens appears as Kenny Kristo, a significant character tied to the narrative’s crime investigation. Their performances contribute to the film’s tense atmosphere, even as the adaptation grapples with balancing action and character development.
Ultimately, while Liam Neeson A Walk Among Tombstones provides thrilling moments on screen and reinforces Neeson’s action star status, the original novel remains the definitive way to experience Matthew Scudder’s story. Fans of crime thrillers and noir mysteries will find Block’s writing offers a more layered and satisfying journey, with the potential for richer storytelling still waiting to be realized on film.
