Taylor Hackford is an underrated director. He's a realist who likes to educate the audience about a particular world - hostage negotiation, military training (An Officer And A Gentleman), law (Devil's Advocate), there's a feeling of research, detail, and a sense that he worked with the actors until they could play figures from those worlds with authority. Crowe is very believable and authoritative as an expert negotiator and mercenary. This means that when things kick into gear for action, it's that much more riveting because the world seems real and the characters have intelligence.

Hackford is a dying breed, unfortunately, as are thrillers like Proof Of Life which are patient and mature, but that much more rewarding.