Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for ‘The Accountant 2’
The Accountant 2was shocking in just how funny it was. In the original film, Chris (Ben Affleck) is devoid of nearly all emotion, withAnna Kendrick’s Dana being the sole source of humor during their scenes together. However, the tonal shift worked so well in making Christian a far more three-dimensional character.
Perhapsno scene embodies this improvement in the audience’s connection with the character than the line-dancing sceneat the cowboy bar that he and Braxton (Jon Bernthal) go to, which makes it my favorite scene of the film, and it should be yours too. Not only is it a portrayal of Chris’s autism that feels natural, but it also shows the growth of not just his character, but Braxton too.
It Makes Sense That Chris Learned the Line Dance Instantly in ‘The Accountant 2’
This wholesome moment comes after Chris struggles to flirt with the waitress (Dominique Domingo) that he has a crush on, with a comedic disappointment from Braxton, before his attention is turned to the patrons' line dancing. Chris seems caught in a trance as he walks away from his brother and onto the dance floor, where his eyes are glued to people’s rhythmic steps with a look of wonder on his face. With this set-up, it showsChris can pick up this choreography so quickly because it is all patterns, as we see him slip up when a new step is thrown in, but he adapts quickly.
This subtle comparison between dancing, something expressive and artistic, and mathematics, often seen as a cold and unfeeling discipline, isn’t just something that serves the rationale of the film, but our relationship with Chris. When we see him enjoy his pattern analysis, such as when he showsAgent Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson)his work in Ray’s (J.K. Simmons) apartment, there is a clear disconnect from those around him in their perception. Butin this scenario, we have a far more relatable comparison to display how Chris sees beauty in the world.
It shows the growth Chris has undertaken between the two films, as he puts himself out there. But he doesn’t do it in the way of the opening speed dating gambit, but just by being himself. Therefore, we get to see how he can apply his abilities and personality to things other than violence. Itmakes him a far more well-rounded characterand was, arguably, exactly what we needed for this character to carry a second narrative, especially without Dana by his side.
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‘Conclave’ hive, rise.
‘The Accountant 2’s Line Dancing Scene Showcases the Brotherly Love Between Chris and Braxton
Much ofThe Accountant 2lives and dies on whether you believe in Chris and Braxton’s relationship. It helps thatAffleck and Bernthal havestunning chemistry together, but this scene showcases the core dynamicsof their bond. Braxton cheering on his older brother is sweet, and the uncontrollable joy he shows, as he must turn to other patrons to express his shock, reflects how Braxton is a child himself. He is so desperate for love that he explodes when there is an opportunity for it, even if that isn’t directly with Chris, but from afar.
However, we are reminded of his violent side when Chris lets the drunk patron attack him, so Braxton can intervene and beat him up. As Chris later tells Braxton,he thought that’s what his younger brother would want, alluding to their slightlytoxic family dynamicwhere Braxton always has to defend his brotherfrom bullies. One might think this is a positive sign of loyalty, but as Braxton later points out, it forces him into a role where he always has to think about Chris, and Chris doesn’t have to worry about or save him.
So, in the end, this scene is the beginning of their arc from a one-sided dynamic to one that is rectified later when Chris saves Braxton with the truck when the younger brother has been shot. It didn’t have to be, but it was the scene without any guns or big action that was the best part of an action film. We don’t even see Braxton beat up the bullies, but that is because we don’t care about what is happening on the surface of the scene. Even with Chris dancing,we don’t care if he looks cool or smooth, but we are seeing the characters and their dynamics explored fascinatinglyand subtly.
The Accountant 2is currently showing in theaters everywhere.
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The Accountant 2
