So, now, I have watched 3 movies in 3 nights, all very different from each other. Last night, I watched In Bruges, a movie released in 2008, a British/Irish comedy starring Colin Farrell, Brandon Gleeson, and Ralph Fiennes. (Nick has a very well-written review of this, but it may contain spoilers. But I would certainly suggest reading it.) The film tells the story of two hitmen who go to Bruges to await their next move.
Thanks to Nick's blog and Mr. Bennett's comment, I have learned that Bruges is actually a delightful city that he has visited in Belgium so I won't make the comment that no one has ever been to Bruges or even heard of it. This film, however, uses the city as a character in the film and it is very useful in telling the story. It is a brilliantly written, well-acted story, which was nominated by the Academy for Best Original Screenplay, which I believe it deserved, and Colin Farrell won a Golden Globes for his role. (Apparently he can act!) But this was a strong movie, with some terrific parts, and I enjoyed it immensely. Also, the writing also did a good job of making every line of dialogue necessary and useful in telling the story. There was little in the way of wasted dialogue.
In Bruges in particular was able to mix many different emotions and was certainly a dark comedy, with some hilarious jokes, that made me laugh for a long time. The way in which the different emotions was balanced was admirable, and the use of the city both as a character and the way in which the city was filmed, gave it a unique feel, and actually appeared to be a very interesting city to visit. The city and its artwork, as it was a medieval city, offered so much to be filmed, and the movie truly grabbed that. Several shots of the film are very memorable, and the ability of the cinematographer to portray this city in this light, and allow it to take on a life of its own, is a credit to his styling.
I know it seems that I am suggesting that every movie I watch people should see, and I seem to be doing that every night but when you watch 3 movies in a 3 nights with a diverse a topic as this, each very well done, you will believe that all three films are worth seeing. This is another movie that I would certainly suggest.
Once more people have seen the films, I have suggested, I would be happy to discuss the symbols and significance of shots in all of the films I have recommended.
*Be prepared for another review tomorrow.*
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
"Colin Farrell won a Golden Globes for his role. (Apparently he can act!)"
ReplyDeleteHa! I was very surprised about that as well.
I really loved this movie, and I'm glad so many other people did. Out of curiosity, what did you think of Ralph Fiennes in the movie, now that you've seen him in Schindler's List? Quite a lot of range he has.
I am actually going to make an entire post on Ralph Fiennes. I see him with some range but I do feel that he has become an actor that always plays a similar role. I hope I will get to the post tonight. It shall keep you thinking. But Colin Farrell was quite good in this movie!
ReplyDeleteJudging from you and Shiran, I am not in like minded company (I thought "Alexander" was done justice with the man who is not Will's brother). As far as the above entry goes, you really know how to wet a person's appetite without actually showing them food. I liked the blog, but I feel like you could do more. However, this may just be because of the last paragraph and you don't want to spoil it for those who converse with you. In which case, I retract my previous statement.
ReplyDeleteThis movie is very highly recommended it seems! Next time I am at Blockbuster (yes I still venture out to the store to rent movies, the old fashioned way I know) I will definitely rent it. Nice review Jimmy!
ReplyDeleteDominic, I do feel that I am not taking these blogs far enough, and I do that because I don't want to ruin any pieces of the movie because Mr. Bennett (and I agree) believes that it is better to go into a movie knowing very little about and being surprised, not going on the hype factor or anything. I also don't want people to have the movie spoiled for them if they are very interested. I personally don't read too in-depthly the blog reviews of people whose movies I have not seen. If, however, people want me to analyze a film deeply, I certainly will. Also, I cannot comment on Alexander, as I did not see it.
ReplyDeleteAlso, thank you Benny!
Ditto for me, James. I didn't read your post because I actually have a copy of In Bruges, (Nick lent it to me) but I can't watch it because my DVD player broke. I spent last night taking the damn thing apart to no avail. I gotta go buy one tomorrow so I can watch and come back and comment on this post.
ReplyDelete