Filmaday Review / 27.02.08
Source: Filmaday
In Bruges - B+
Hallo!, and Welcome to Belgium! No need for formalities or foreign speak as everyone in the entire country speaks perfectly good English or English with an Irish accent. I kid of course but it does allow me to segue to In Bruges, Martin McDonagh’s first feature film. His first work behind a camera was for Six Shooter, an Oscar winning short (2006) that probably spring boarded his career to present day. This flick comes from the now highly recognized Focus Features and the wonderful people of Belgium.
The plot from the trailer was a bit unclear to me, so forgive the small explanation. Colin Farrell plays Ray, a contract killer hiding in Bruges to lay low. He’s accompanied by lovable Brendan Gleeson, who plays Ken. They are quite the odd couple in that one is stout (Ken), the other trim (Ray). Ken is also older, while Ray is young and a ladies man.
The plot certainly picks up but that’s not for me to tell. What I am VERY impressed with was the control of a first time director with these seasoned actors and actresses! McDonagh captures the streets of Bruges, like the rich, golden taste of their world famous beer. He’s written a very, very funny script that may float over your head at times. Don’t worry if you don’t catch everything, there are plenty of laughs. In addition to his writing, the direction gave me much food for thought.
Throughout the film you’ll notice the soft keystrokes of the piano transitioning from scene to scene. Indeed, some of the biggest action, and reveals happen during these segments. The effect is an unexpected softness that I’m sure no one was expecting heading in to the theater. The velvety music helps paint a portrait of a city unseen to most western eyes. Classic streets of stone and a town center with the appropriate bell tower show Europe for what it is…beautiful.
I’m sure I’m not the first clever blogger to recognize this is a Harry Potterfest. Brendan Gleeson after all plays Mad Eye Moody, Ralph Fiennes - Voldemort, and Clémence Poésy plays Fleur Delacour. It was nice to see the gang sans Harry, and without Voldemort’s beak/ absence of nose. The casting director should certainly be proud for putting class actors in a class movie. Maybe the most impressive though was Colin Farell, a man I’ve had a love/hate relationship due to role choice and sometimes his flippant acting. This is a winner all the way. He shows as many sides as he can of a character we really shouldn’t like.
I’m not sure what I wanted this film to be, and I’m pretty darn glad. I laughed often and was surprised even more with this film. If you are looking for a fun way to spend a night, I suggest going to Bruges, there is plenty to see and admire if you don’t mind funny speaking foreigners.
