Written & Directed By: Rian Johnson
Cinematography By: Steve Yedlin
Editor: Gabriel Wrye
Music By: Nathan Johnson
Cast: Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel Weisz, Rinko Kikuchi, Maximilian Schell, Robbie Coltrane, Noah Segan, Nora Zehtner, Max Records
The Brothers Bloom are the best con men in the world, swindling millionaires with complex scenarios of lust and intrigue. Now they've decided to take on one last job - showing a beautiful and eccentric heiress the time of her life with a romantic adventure that takes them around the world.
This film is it’s own cinematic fairy tale taking inspiration from other films and combining elements to make it it’s own. Though not as much fantastical or supernatural elements.
The real saving grace of the film that puts it above average is the second half of the film. Which takes a turn more towards reality and tragedy. Leading to more of a heartbreaking ending. Where as the first half of the film is more whimsical, fantasy and comedic. More in a lighthearted way.
The film might have been more interesting, if the two lead actors switched roles though they they are both good in their perspective roles. It just seems they are too comfortable in them and by switching it would have been more of a stretch for each of them.
Though I will say so far this is my favorite role and performance by Mark Ruffalo. As his character is so strong as the mastermind. Who lives through his brother. Though his own life is to love and die by the plans he has designed and having them go perfectly. For the exact results. As he could also be seen as an auteur watching others livid out the plans he designed and act out his imagination and ideas. While he watches and directs and aims.
Rachel Weisz is good in her role as here she is more comedic then usual and you can tell she is having fun. Her performance adds another later to her already impressive range. As this The first really comedic role that worked fully. (The other being BEAUTIFUL CREATURES even though that was more of a thriller itself)
The film has style galore, but the cons and material aren’t as sharp as the designs. The film ends up feeling like a storybook itself. Which bit seems designed to be only feels fully once it ends.
Some might accuse Rian Johnson of copying Wes Anderson’s style as Mr. Johnson had only directed one film before this. Let’s back off of that theory for right now. Yes Wes Anderson has a signature style and camera angles, but he doesn’t completely own it. Should we criticize anyone who uses sharp cuts and fast moving close up’s and rolling stone songs for montages saying they steal from Martin Scorsese.
Mr. Johnson could be accused of copying or borrowing certain stylistic elements, but they fit the story and of you are copying angles, production design and costume design. Why not copy a major actual talent would you rather he copy a hack? Not to mention the second half of the film is purely Mr. Johnson. As he seems to use that style as a lead in and turn it on it’s ear to usurp and surprise the audience. Maybe he started off one way inspired before he found his own voice.
Sure an early design of the kind of storybook beginnings of their lives and adventures as kids with amish looking everyday clothing.
This is a beautiful looking film. Filmed in Europe. That feels like a international vacation that turns into an incident. The costumes are incredible.
Rinko Kikuchi creates an iconic character as the nearly mute character Bang Bang. I only wish she could have been used ore or gotten her own movie spin off.
The film has a great engaging score that feels emotional yet celebratory.
At Heart the film is a romance but tries to show how tricky it is. How important trust and communication are and all the games that seem to be involved to impress and get close as well as shifting allegiances. It’s a love story but not necessarily only in romantic love, but also love when it comes to family.
This film has a quirkiness and involves art, planning, creativity and con games. One of my favorite elements in film. It’s not a perfect film but it is a nice surprise of a film. A hidden gem. As it was practically dumped out when released. After it barely got a theatrical release or any advertising. The film deserved better much better and I hope it gets discovered by a broader audience to at least become a cult classic.
Even my mother liked it and while she’s no tough critic. This certainly isn’t her usual type of movie. While the film tries to show the reality behind all of it’s whimsy. It still comes across as a dreamy whimsical fairy tale. The three main characters are based on characters from James Joyce 's "Ulysses" (which in turn is based on Homer's "Odyssey"). Stephen is based on Stephen Daedalus, a restless young writer in two of Joyce's novels; in "The Brothers Bloom", Stephen plans their cons with a writer's flair. Bloom is based on Leopold Bloom, who is wandering around Dublin, trying to find himself and his way back to his wife. In The Brothers Bloom, Bloom is figuratively looking for himself, and ultimately finds his way to Penelope. In "The Odyssey", Penelope is Odysseus' wife who waits for him through all of his travels; likewise, here, Penelope awaits Bloom through his wanderings.
The film is like a cultured limited epic that reminds the viewer to keep an eye on future films by Rian Johnson. As he has a definite voice and point of view when it comes to his films. It’s not as good as his debut but he is traveling a fine line in his career path. This film seems to fit like a custom made suit. A sit feels built for someone special. Yet is never clearly defined who that is.
As it revolves around con games. So there is much trickery on display, but it all seems a means to an end. As those who seek fortune are punished but those who are honest and true in their pursuits get a treasure even if it’s Not the one they expect. An everlasting valentine with a surprise ending.
As for ever fantasy there must be a price paid. Usually a kind of sacrifice. To gain something you must lose or let go of something.
GRADE: B
No comments:
Post a Comment