*SPOILER* Filmmaking: literal vs. subtext and metaphor

I got the distinct impression that the literal blinding of Trane was goofing on the viewer. Blinded by vengeance, and all that moralizing pap where the filmmakers gives us a 'message'. Well, here is my message: Save it, Crook Brothers! Just bring the action, and I will sort it out.

Whew. I feel better. But seriously, I have noticed this literal trend in other recent vengeance-themed films, such as "Outlaw" with Sean Bean; in that movie (which also features a disillusioned vet returning home to...heartbreak and disappointment, one of the characters actually leaves his bride AT THE ALTAR!!! in order to get his payback. Anyway, I noticed that this movie seemed a combination of 'Death Wish', 'Rolling Thunder' and 'Zatoichi' (the blind swordsman). Good influences.

Lastly, the runtime was advertised as 90 minutes on Blockbuster.com, but runs about 68 minutes minus credits. Unlike the filmmakers, I don't feel the need to literally say what that means, and give the viewer enough credit to infer any significance.