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Billy Bob Thornton, known for his versatile roles across various film genres, brings life to each project he undertakes. From the high-stakes drama of “Armageddon” to the comedic crime escapades in “Bandits,” Thornton consistently stands out. One of his lesser-known yet noteworthy performances is in the 2010 crime thriller “Faster,” where he shares the screen with Dwayne Johnson.
CBS Films
“Faster” centers on a classic tale of revenge. Dwayne Johnson plays Jimmy Cullen, also known as Driver, who, upon release from prison, embarks on a relentless pursuit of retribution against those who betrayed him and contributed to his brother Gary’s demise. Thornton takes on the role of detective Slade Humphries, working with his partner Cicero, played by Carla Gugino, in an effort to track down Cullen.
While “Faster” didn’t dominate the box office—earning $35.6 million against a $24 million budget—nor did it receive rave reviews, holding a 41% on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer and a 52% on the Popcornmeter, it remains an engaging thriller. Thornton’s character is integral to the plot, adding depth as he pursues Cullen and supports the film’s broader narrative. Though it may not have achieved widespread acclaim, “Faster” stands out as one of Thornton’s most underappreciated works.
The film didn’t become the blockbuster hit of 2010, yet it received high praise from Thornton himself. The “Landman” actor appreciated it for its nod to the gritty, realistic films of the 1970s, claiming it captured an authenticity often missing in contemporary cinema.
“In my humble opinion, we’re living in a time where we are making the worst movies in history — because they’re geared toward the video game playing generation,” Thornton stated in a 2010 interview with Vibe. He critiqued modern films for depicting violence without purpose, contrasting them with “Faster,” which he believed carried a significant message. Beneath its intense action sequences, Thornton argued, the film explored the consequences of murder and prison, delving into the creation of troubled, dark characters.
Billy Bob Thornton thought Faster was special in an age of bad movies
CBS Films
While Thornton’s accolades might seem a bit enthusiastic, and “Faster” may not rival classics like “Death Wish,” it remains an honest film that lives up to its promotional promises. It’s a solid choice for an entertaining Friday night viewing.
“In my humble opinion, we’re living in a time where we are making the worst movies in history — because they’re geared toward the video game playing generation,” Thornton told Vibe in 2010. “And in these video games are people killing for fun.” Thornton added that “Faster” wasn’t violence for the sake of it, since there was a powerful message attached to it. Underneath the carnage and bloodshed was a “film [that] shows what murder creates and what prisons create — dark characters who are in trouble.”
While Thornton’s praise for “Faster” might be a tad excessive — this isn’t “Death Wish” — it’s certainly a film that delivers on everything it promises in the trailer. It makes no qualms about what it is and turns out to be a perfect addition to any Friday night’s entertainment plans.
