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I haven't laughed this
long and this hard at the movies all year --
and "In Bruges" isn't even an out & out
comedy.
What a fantastic cinematic surprise this
was! I must admit that, in my mind,
this film existed on much the same plane as
the city of Bruges -- I knew that both
existed, but I was unaware how wonderful
each was to see. Martin McDonagh
directs his first feature film by combing
wit and whimsy with gravitas and drama in
such unique, entertaining and thoughtful
ways that "In Bruges" begs to be included in
the shortlist of all time great cinema
debuts.
This film pulls off
a remarkable balancing act, shifting from
the sublimely ridiculous to chilling
melancholy as if the two were inextricably
combined. You will have a tough time
telling whether your tears are from laughter
or sadness. It is a splendid collage
of tones that never fails to engage.
"In Bruges" is a master work of originality.
Ray and Ken (Farrell
and Gleeson) are two hitmen sent to Bruges
to hide out after a botched job. Their
boss, Harry (Fiennes), puts them up in a
small hotel to await further instructions.
Ken is fascinated by
the fairy-tale town, still dominated by
ancient streets and architecture, canals and
cathedrals. He takes the opportunity
to sight-see and taste a little culture.
On the other hand, Ray is thoroughly bored
by the quaint surroundings, preferring to
sample some of the many local beers.
His adventures get him hooked up with a
local babe, Chloe (Poesy), and a dwarf
actor, Jimmy (Prentice), who is on location
shooting a film.
Things begin to fall
apart for Ray and Ken, for a variety of
reasons which I cannot spoil in this review,
and soon, Harry is on his way from London to
"take care of the problem" himself.
There are hilarious
moments throughout this film... the kind of
hilarity that only comes from intelligent
and truthful character observation.
"In Bruges" cannot fully claim to be a
comedy, and yet delivers more belly laughs
than any film in recent memory. I was
weeping at times.
The entire cast is
pitch perfect with the comedic timing and
subtlety. Note the scene when Jimmy
grabs his two drinks in the bar -- That has
to be one of the funniest "tiny moments" I
have seen this decade. It may not even
have been intentional -- if not, all credit
to the director for keeping it in the film.
By contrast, it is
extraordinary how well the film transitions
to the heavier material. It never
feels out of place or inappropriate.
Even the toughest scene in the film manages
to provide a light note.
"In Bruges" is a
perfect exhibition in tone management.
It gets all the little things just right.
The script is easily one of the best in
2008. The cinematography will have you
searching for plane tickets to Belgium.
The acting is award worthy. I have no
doubt in my mind that this film will rank in
my year-end Top 10 List. I am sure
that it will become a cult favorite over the
years, as it makes the rounds on DVD.
©
Written by TC Candler
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