|
In
Bruges is easily the best independent film of 2008, which is probably why the folks at The Oscars gave this puppy a few nominations, and
really gives 95% of the big budget releases a run for their money.
It is dark, it is deep, it is fast paced - and yet and it could well be
the funniest comedy to hit our screens in a dogs age.
Filmed on location in Bruges itself (which serves as a stunning
backdrop to this simple tale - despite what Farrell's character suggests) In Bruges
follows hit men Ray
(Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson) who are in hiding after a
bungled contract - but little do they know that Bruge could now be
their
final
destination...
Out of place amidst the historic architecture, picturesque canals, and
cobbled streets, the two Irish lads fill their days living the lives of
tourists. Ray hates the
place (and pulls off the "bored kids on a family holiday" routine to
perfection), while Ken thrives on the Gothic landscape as well as
keeping a fatherly eye on Ray's exploits - the two developing and
sharing a bond not unlike that of the original Odd Couple.
In
Bruges trudges along and plays, for a large part, as a
realistic, genuinely fun - and funny - version of Eurotrip.
The gags are simple, subtle and superb thanks in no small part to the
chemistry between the lead players and, of course, the
inclusion of a
drugged-up midget.
However, with the introduction of Ralph Fiennes (as the
duo's angry boss) In
Bruges soon takes a very, very dark turn.
Despite themes and scenes which make The
Dark Knight look like Bambi, there
is still an unstoppable sense of positivity which over rides scenes
which,
in any other movie, would have the audience in tears of sadness.
Fiennes and Gleeson give excellent performances here, but In Bruges without
doubt belongs to Farrell.
The
guy is excellent as Ray - oozing the rough charm which has no doubt won
him the hearts of many-a-lady over his life.
Much like George
Clooney
or Brad Pitt, he projects that charm through the screen (a skill not
many are truly capable of) meaning that more often than not you can't
help but forgive his character despite some genuinely thuggish acts of
human perversity.
How can you be angry after looking into those puppy dog eyes?
It
may not come accompanied with the sort of hype every other release has
had this year but it is without doubt one of the most rewarding films
you are ever likely to see.
Farrell has proven he is more than a tabloid magazine headline, but he
is an actor with immense talent.
Let's just hope Hollywood realises this and
gives him another chance. DVD EXTRAS
Quite a few fun little featurettes have been tacked on here,
including a cracker which looks at the bounty of swearing in the film.
Travel buffs will enjoy the "Boat Trip Around Bruges", while movie nerds will devour the deleted scenes.
Sadly,
the gag reel has been held over for the Blu Ray release, and if this
sort of thing is going to happen more often - you have to wonder if
this is the DVD equivalent of blackmail.
"GET THE BLU RAY OR YOU DONT GET BLOOPERS". Sold!
Conclusion:
Movie 90% Extras: 65%
|
