In Bruges- ***** (Not suitable for Children)
This was not the first movie that we watched- nor do I consider it the best- though it is really high on my list. I'm talking about it first because it was the last movie we watched. The first film of 2023 was not a disappointment.
I have to admit, I was a little skeptical with Collin Ferrell's initial performance. His character is well... a pouty man child with no filter. I realize the genius of that interpretation now that I've seen the entire film. Brendan Gleason's charm is quite a pull. As I watched the film, the second act pivot (no spoilers), and the twist at the end was genius film making. I am actually surprised that he didn't get at least a nod from the Academy. The entire film was impressive. The fact that it only got acknowledged for the screenplay is a crying shame. Applause for the Golden Globes which at least recognized outstanding acting when it occurred.
What was so genius? I have to give credit to Gleason's and Ferrell's micro expressions. For those of you not knowledgeable about the acting industry- micro-expressions are subtle changes in the eyes, mouth, general features that convey that an emotional change is happening. Those actors who can do it well- do not need dialogue to tell a story. There is a scene when Gleason is on the phone with Fiennes and the shifts that happen as he realizes what is truly going on is remarkable.
Likewise Ferrell's character, which is generally offensive throughout Act 1, under goes a beautiful transformation until the audience has no choice but to root for him. I have to attribute some of that to the outstanding performance work of Clemence Poesy and Jordan Prentice. However, a huge portion of the success of the audience transition has to be given to a cameo character played by Thekla Reuten. She provides the counterbalance the audience needs in order to transition from "I shouldn't like Ferrell's character for moralistic reasons" to "I need to support him because he is human." Through her actions, the audience is given permission to forgive him. In contrast- Ralph Fiennes is the epitome of a villain with a strong moral code. He doesn't get a great deal of screen time but what he does with it contributes to the success of the ending. Gleason's final act is poignant because of Fiennes' dedication to character.
So what is this movie about? It is a dark comedy about two hit men hiding out in Bruges, Belgium. After a traumatizing hit gone wrong, Ferrell's character is wracked with guilt, and Gleason's character is put in a very difficult moralistic dilemma. This leads to one of the most heart breaking endings I've ever seen in a comedy.
I am going to give a shout out to Jina Jay- The casting director for this movie. If she had made one mistake in putting together this cast- it would have been an absolute failure. Instead she created something that is a glorious masterpiece of cooperative acting, skilled storytelling, amazing cinematography, and genius directing.
Is this good for children- Absolutely Not. Generally speaking, Dark Comedies are a bad choice for anyone under the age of 16. The use of tongue in cheek humor about serious subjects are commonly misinterpreted by youth. This movie deserves its R rating. There are inappropriate jokes about race, physical appearance, and a light hearted attitude toward drugs, murder, suicide, prostitution, and bigotry. (It is a Dark Comedy)
Is this a good movie for you? That would depend on your level of tolerance for the above behaviors. Those with thin skin toward people making fun of such issues, would do best to stay away. This is not the film for you. For those people who want to experience having your perceptions and prejudices exposed, manipulated, and adjusted this movie is amazing. Simply put- this movie places your human nature to make snap judgements about people on a table and bitch slaps it... hard.
I believe anyone who wants to be an actor should look at this movie for a master class in non-verbal acting, micro expressions, and cooperative acting. It is one of those movies that remained with me all day after watching it- and even now is tugging at me to watch it again.
Would I show this in a Film Class. Middle School: Absolutely Not, High School: Probably Not, College: Yes (Conditionally), Adult Film Class (Yes)
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Enjoyability: 4/5- off a a point for uncomfy/inappropriate humor.
Poignancy: 5/5
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