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BrentonIn Bruges (2008) - Trailer Included
March 17th 2010 22:41
In Bruges - Available in Australia on DVD
Director: Martin McDonagh
Starring: Colin Farrell, Brendon Gleason, Ralph Fiennes, Elizabeth Berrington
“Ken, I grew up in Dublin. I love Dublin. If I grew up on a farm, and was retarded, Bruges might impress me but I didn't, so it doesn't.” - Ray
Irish playwright turned Writer/Director Martin McDonagh makes his feature film debut, conjuring up a violent opera of whimsical joy with the five leaf clover crime comedy In Bruges. It’s a hushed tones fairytale told with flourishes of quiet, contemplation. An entertaining character comedy realized through snappy dialogue, nuanced performances and impeccable timing.
Nice city, lousy company!
Ordered by kingpin Harry Walters (Ralph Fiennes), their unstable overlord they play tourists and take in the beautiful sights of the historically steeped locale. Waiting for the dust to settle on a recent job gone wrong in Cockney town the pair attempt to remain low key.
“After I killed him, I dropped the gun in the Thames, washed the residue off me hands in the bathroom of a Burger King, and walked home to await instructions. Shortly thereafter the instructions came through - "Get the fuck out of London, you dumb fucks. Get to Bruges." I didn't even know where Bruges fucking was.” - Ray as Narrator
Bruges, an easy place for diversions.
“I don't hit women! I would never hit a woman! I'd hit a woman who was trying to hit me with a bottle! That's different. That's self-defence, isn't it? Or a woman who could do Karate. I'd never hit a woman generally Chloe. Don't think that.” - Ray
Despite their differences there is a bond between this odd couple that grows as they question the morality of the job and other existential dilemmas. From across the pond the daunting presence of Harry looms over proceedings, a single phone call threatening to test their loyalty and skill over a matter of scruples.
“Number One, why aren't you in when I fucking told you to be in? Number Two, why doesn't this hotel have phones with fucking voicemail and not have to leave messages with the fucking receptionist? Number Three, you better fucking be in tomorrow night when I fucking call again or there'll be fucking hell to pay. I'm fucking telling you .” - Harry
Seriously, there's no Guiness in this country?
John Doe says:
Set against a storybook backdrop In Bruges is an entertaining escapade that has a naturalistic momentum, authentic characters and builds to a theatrically grandiose finale. Truly funny, with an undercurrent of deeper meaning this rewarding films success begins with its dexterous screenplay but the versatile performances and deliberate staging are what bolster the end result.
Martin McDonagh Directs with a keen eye for setting, pace and fourth wall reality. The city of Bruges becomes a silent counter point to the onscreen action and his actors are given gravity. What could have been a farcical third act is kept within the boundaries of the established mood and the violence is delivered with gut shot power.
The structure of the curvaceous script lets the central characters breath, not rushing to exposition but letting the chemistry of the two leads infect the audience. Building a tension that doesn’t sacrifice silent, introspection the story may follow the basic rules of its genre but with the locations and thickly accented attitude there is a rewarding freshness.
The exuberant energy of Colin Farrell (The War Zone, Ordinary Decent Criminal) is channeled perfectly, he pops as Ray. The immaturity of the part is an advantage not a hindrance for Farrell, his puppy dog eyed expressions adding personality. Finally living up to the charismatic potential displayed in Tigerland he effortlessly gets laughs and evokes emotion with heart.
The chemistry between Farrell and Brendon Gleeson (Harry Potter, 28 Days Later, The General) is exceptional. As the close mouthed Ken, Gleeson counterweights his chum and brings a balance to the relationship. Together they bounce off each other and there is sincere tenderness in certain moments and in others, utter disdain.
Ralph Fiennes (Harry Potter, Strange Days, The Constant Gardener) brings a force of nature villainy that remains grounded as the reactionary Harry. His screen time may be limited but his presence is never far from centre stage. Carrying a hint of Ben Kingsley in Sexy Beast to the more extroverted scenes of brutal blood lust, he pars it back for a working class aroma to domestic life.
What reputation?
The surreal edge that rears up throughout the film is embelished by Howard the Duck himself Jordan Prentice (Weirdsville) as a racist, drug addicted midget with rage issues.
Never losing John Doe’s attention, In Bruges stands up to repeat viewings and has become a much quoted pleasure. The air of mystery upon premiere screening may dissipate but what remains is still a captivating cruise, a Euro-flavoured black comedy that studies guilt, friendship and inevitable carnage.
The trailer for In Bruges - without ruining all the best bits.
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