Format: Netflix
Viewing: First
Director: Rian Johnson
I don't really know how to talk about this movie. A podcast would be better.
This was a very, very good film. But we knew that going in, I think.
Look, I've never seen a movie by Rian Johnson I didn't like. His turn to becoming the cinematic Agatha Christie of the 21st Century is more than welcome in a landscape of movies that - in lieu of being about superheroes - have mistaken drudgery and being sad and/ or tortured as film for grown ups. Sometimes you just need a clockwork mechanism of a mystery movie with deeply charismatic talent, an amazing backdrop, and a satisfying ending.
But the movie isn't just (remarkably) well written. It's hard to argue with the cinematography and choice of locations, which gives the movie a unique multi-level perspective. And, of course, editing. There are a lot of characters, a lot of parts, a non-sequential timeline and a sprawling geography to the main location. It's a remarkable feat to see how this all still makes perfect sense.
Anyway, I'll either podcast it later or give it a go with a longer write-up. Maybe.
In the meantime: recommended.
Yes, this was an excellent film. Sometimes I wish I wasn't so well read as I did see one of the big twists in the film coming. However, that in no way takes away from what is a great film. Besides the writing and performance, I really did notice the cinematography, which is not something that usually catches my eye. Johnson uses the camera to draw our eye to what he wants us to see and what he wants us to miss the first time around so well.
ReplyDeleteRight after this movie we started watching Three Pines on Amazon Prime so I'm in murder mystery heaven right now. We are 4 episodes in and I'm quite enjoying it. Alfred Molina is great as the lead detective.
I'll need to check out Three Pines!
ReplyDeleteFor the most part, I just let these movies unfold and don't spend energy trying to solve it, but I think recognizing something from reading/ other movies/ etc... and getting involuntarily put in front of the twist is something else.
I can't help myself. I love trying to figure out whodunnits. I picked up the DVD of Crooked House, based on an Agatha Christie book. It has Glenn Close, Christina Hendricks, Gillian Anderson, and Terence Stamp so it can't be too bad.
ReplyDeleteThat's absolutely on you for being very smart and natural problem solver. I didn't know that Crooked House existed, but now I'm gonna look for it.
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