Note: The following content includes significant spoilers for The Amateur, currently showing in theaters.
Jon Bernthal’s Underwhelming Role in The Amateur
In the film The Amateur, actor Jon Bernthal portrays a potentially intriguing spy character, yet the narrative fails to fully utilize his talents. Renowned for his compelling performance in The Walking Dead and roles in Martin Scorsese films, Bernthal’s transition to the spy genre seemed promising. However, this film leaves much to be desired in terms of character development and screen presence.
Limited Screen Time for Bernthal’s Character
In The Amateur, Bernthal’s character, Jackson O’Brien, affectionately known as “the Bear,”makes a limited impact, appearing only three times throughout the film. His encounters with the film’s lead, CIA cryptographer Charlie Heller, serve primarily to contrast their differing roles within the agency. Despite a brief conversation that establishes some rapport, O’Brien quickly disappears from the story, only resurfacing near the end to attempt to persuade Charlie to abandon his quest for vengeance.
Bernthal’s performance, characterized by his signature mix of confidence and brashness, indicates a deeper potential that the film neglects to explore. O’Brien could have fulfilled a more significant role, perhaps as an ally or even as an antagonist, but ultimately, his character adds little to the narrative. This lack of depth is surprising, considering Bernthal’s ability to infuse his roles with complexity.
Upcoming Action Pack: The Accountant 2
A Promising Role on the Horizon
Fortunately for fans, Bernthal is poised to return to the action scene with a more substantial role in The Accountant 2, set to release in just two weeks. Previously seen in The Accountant as Brax, he now takes center stage, working alongside his brother, Christian Wolff, to uncover a series of murders. The sequel promises a blend of thrilling action and comic relief, driven by the complex relationship between the two characters. Early trailers suggest engaging action sequences that are sure to captivate audiences.
After the underwhelming presence of “the Bear”in The Amateur, the forthcoming The Accountant 2 offers a welcome shift towards more action-centric storytelling, well-suited for Bernthal’s strong screen presence. Unlike O’Brien’s role, which primarily serves as a backdrop for Charlie’s character arc, this sequel aims to place the relationship dynamics front and center, which is an approach that The Amateur sadly missed.