THE BLING RING (2013)

Written & Directed By: Sofia Coopola 
Based on the Vanity Fair Article “The Suspect Wore Louboutins” By: Nancy Jo Sales Cinematography By: Harris Savides & Christian Blauvelt 
Editor: Sarah Flack 

 Cast: Katie Chang, Israel Broussard, Claire Julien, Tassia Farminga, Emma Watson, Leslie Mann, Carlos Miranda, Gavin Rossdale, Stacy Edwards, Erin Daniels, Nina Siemaszko

Inspired by actual events, a group of fame-obsessed teenagers use the internet to track celebrities' whereabouts in order to rob their homes.

The title while modern makes you think of a somewhat captivating thriller. That would be more of a caper. What you get here is a caper though not that captivating as it seems more a crime of convenience and not at all well thought out if anything. It seems the ending and them getting caught is inevitable as they are sloppy and yet seeking fame more than any fortune.

While the film seems like her most accessible and mainstream. It also seems to become of her most obtuse. It truly has the truest independent cast as there are truly barely any stars in the film and the ones who are considered major are supporting characters.

While the story is of some interest the whole thing seems more of a fascination of a more gimmick type story though trough the media and in the film there seems to be a need to try ANSI deeper to some kind of meaning and definition of a new generation that isn't there

It seems just as was shown in the Larry Clark film BULLY also based on a true story, The problem that gets the young criminals caught Is the need to let people know their crimes and letting them join in. No one seems to enjoy things on their own no sense of wonderment it seems now if there is no witnesses it didn't happen.

There seems to be more psychological reasons for all of this but we are never allowed to Glimpse it. As it is slightly hinted at the film just moves forward to the events. It might be because as a true story with no real insight from those who actually committed the crimes. The film is shackled with it's own thoughts and can't go about putting words in the mouth of characters with emotions that might have never been there. Choosing more to try to stick to the record of events.

Unfortunately it leaves us in the audience cold, never getting to learn about these characters or truly feel anything about them.

The scene taking place at Paris Hilton 's home was actually filmed there.

As much as the film strives to have some meaning or even send a message about a generation seeking celebrity more than anything else. The film comes off as shallow and empty, by design maybe? Or just really nothing there bit to add artistic flourishes to a crime story more destined for a Made For Television handling of story.

The last film of cinematographer Harris Savides, who died in October 2012, six months after the end of principal photography. When he became ill partway through shooting,Christopher Blauvelt was brought on to complete the film; the two share credit.

It's amazing the production filmed in Paris Hilton's actual house that was broken into and ha some of the celebrities cameo in the film. To give a visual sense of why they are worshipped by his generation and this groups feeling that of they steal from them t makes them contemporaries by owning their belongings makes them whole just like the celebrities.

The advertising of this film made it look like a coming of age film with a criminal element that had more thrills to it.

What we get is on typical Sofia Coopola style more a mood piece that examines the characters upbringing and atmosphere they find themselves growing up in. Not only the feeling of needing to belong, but also the shallow and sacrificial attitudes and predatory nature of characters to feel better about themselves. Her style lends itself to is more observing the characters, Day to day life In their social atmosphere and rarely a glimpse of them Alone and vulnerable. As truly they rarely are physically but emotionally always. The film also exposes that for the depth usually looked for the characters don't necessarily have any more then the film points out what could have lead them on this path.

Of course the film is less personal yet sticks to Coopola's themes. It's a natural transgression considering what felt like the more personal SOMEWHERE. Which at it's heart had an appealing narrative of earnestness that for some had a feeling of pretentiousness.

While the filmmaking is exceptional. I believe coupled with the material based on a true story it seems to be a bad mix. Considering it seems like a natural one. It ends up surprising. As the filmmaking seems to give the fresh from the headlines more of a gossip level true crime story more depth then it might deserve. The film unfortunately ends up a curiosity that does revolve around similar themes found in Sofia Coppola's work, but also comes off the most cold and baffling. One would like to call it her most Mainstream, but believe that most audiences would come to this film Looking For one type of film and get another. That doesn't move as fast and simple as one would think. Maybe she is more hampered by it being a true life tale. So can't be as free, fast and loose with the story and characters.

Grade: B-