09.18.08
Review: “In Bruges”
Martin McDonagh’s debut feature length film plays out like a melancholy modern fairytale, with pitch-black dark comedy, spiritual mayhem, and maniacal absurdity all blended together in what has become something of a signature style of filmmaking for the Academy Award Winning director (he won Best Live Action short for “Six Shooter” back in 2007, before that he was a playwright). A fusion of stark desolation, profane humour, hyper-violence and vivid peculiarity make up the threads that, when weaved together, form “In Bruges,” a tonally fluctuating example of metamorphic cinema at its most entertaining.
A pair of mismatched Irish hit men (played by Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell) are sent to the medieval, nondescript town of Bruges (pronounced ‘Broozh’) in Belgium, after a job gone horribly wrong, to take a breather and await further instructions from their inexplicably volatile boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes). The duo have completely different ideas as to how to lay low and have a good time doing so, but Farrell being the firecracker of the two makes his way onto a movie set where he meets a beguiling beauty come drug dealer (Clémence Poésy), a racist/playboy of a dwarf (Jordan Prentice), finds a whole lot of drugs and comes to terms with the root of his despondency.
While the men succumb to the temptation of making the best of their situation, their boss cooks up a plan of his own. The destination is not as affecting – or effective – as the journey, and watching as these seemingly incongruent destinies are brought together with an overwhelming sense of poignancy makes for extremely confusing viewing. You won’t know whether to laugh or cry, especially when the films dark, ominous mindset becomes more apparent and the tonal shifts begin. From that particular viewpoint, “In Bruges” is eerily similar to Nicolas Roeg’s “Don’t Look Now,” and everything but the cold-hearted escapades by Quentin Tarantino.
McDonagh’s strength, however, does not lie in his ability to map out well-rounded storylines. What he does is creates a simple but effective framework which allows for his characters to function without limitation. What he is interested in is communicating what is being said in the form of subtext while they engage in activities as laid out in the screenplay, and it works. His sharp, biting quips don’t do much for the realism factor, which shouldn’t matter, as this is as much a darkly comic action film as it is a fantastical exercise, but they make for quick witted, engaging humour and substantial entertainment that help maintain the films surging pace.
As with any excellently written screenplay, it means nothing if the performers don’t step up to the plate. This couldn’t be further from the case here, as McDonagh’s actors do the script as much justice as is needed, and then some. Gleeson and Farrell do some of their best work, interacting on a level that is more successful than most buddy-relations character duos. Gleeson’s seasoned and wise ‘Ken’ maintains a serene disposition even in moments of distress, hinting at two possible mindsets. Either he has overcome a great deal of trauma in his life and now sees everything as glass-half-full, or he is disconnected from reality. Fiennes gives the film a jolt of energy when it becomes a little too dour with his edgy performance that is limited in screen time but big on impact.
Undoubtedly, it is the ever dependable but not always appropriately utilized Farrell that steals the show. His shaded, perfectly timed comic performance is something of a revelation for him as a character actor, and he handles the razor sharp dialogue with finesse. What is more, he is just as good in his dramatic scenes. As a diehard fan of his, that made the film particularly rewarding for me. His ‘Ray’ is a flawed, wounded person who goes from place to place taking with him more guilt-stuffed baggage than is necessary but a deeply funny manner of conduct spouts from his misery. ‘Ray’ is the life and soul of the film which makes the poetic ending understandable, just not as effectual as McDonagh would have liked.
McDonagh maintains a definite sense of place throughout ‘Bruges’ and uses the picturesque Belgian town as both a backdrop for all the mayhem as well as to highlight character differences while maintaining an air of philosophical potency. The stunning cinematography captures the architecture and historical landmarks of Bruges in a way that would befit a fantasy film instead of a comic travelogue, as does the woeful score by Cater Burwell.
“In Bruges” works as a hybrid of tones and genres, but works just as well if you dissect it into its dfferent parts. McDonagh’s moody debut hits all the right notes most of the time, making it a perfectly planned and executed caper that is just as hysterical as it is emotionally affecting. While he may have room to grow as a filmmaker, he certainly hits the ground running. He most definitely has mastered the effect caused by fine-tuning a build-up and the irony that follows when he switches gears and ideas just as fast as he creates them. “In Bruges” is a masterful product of talent; multi-dimensional filmmaking where outwardly conflicting concepts and notions come out of nowhere, play out successfully, and erase themselves from memory – much like the film itself.
Fatac Rating: ****
In Bruges. Written and directed by Martin McDonagh. Cinematography by Eigil Bryld. Edited by Jon Gregory. Music by Carter Burwell. Starring: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Ralph Fiennes, Clémence Poésy, Jérémie Rénier and Jordan Prentice. Running Time: 107 minutes. Age Restriction: 16 LV. Year: 2008. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
Kerry said,
September 18, 2008 at 3:56 pm
This is still on my very favorite films of the year, and Farrell’s performance is still one of the best in my opinion. You don’t miss a beat in your review either, great stuff. So glad you enjoyed it.
jizzka said,
September 18, 2008 at 4:05 pm
hey there, i was really curious about this film because i’ve been reading a lot of good reviews about it, including this one, so thanks for all the brilliantly well-written info. kudos, and cool blog! =)
Nick Plowman said,
September 18, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Thanks :) I kept hearing good things about it too, and caught up with it in June, but thought I would save my review for its South African release tomorrow (it’s gonna need all the help it can get, I think). Hope you see it soon.
GoshWatcher said,
September 18, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Hm. I didn’t like this one, at all really. It was too weird and all over the place for my liking.
Salmaya said,
September 18, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Indeed Nick, a highly entertaining film with a dash of absudism and a whole lot of laugh out loud moments, mostly due to the profanity shoved in here and there. There wasn’t anything I didn’t like about it, and it is still sitting on my top 10 list for the year so far. I think I’m going to go watch it on DVD now, lol.
Dave said,
September 18, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Home run nick, as usual, you highlighted everything I liked about the film and left nothing out. Farrell is so good, I hope he gets solid roles like this in the future, if so, it will be quite the comback tour indeed.
tina said,
September 18, 2008 at 5:17 pm
I didn’t think it was very good, but it was entertaining and I laughed till I cried. the ending was a let down though, so lame. and weird. and too poetic I think.
Nick Plowman said,
September 18, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Well, I know a lot of people didn’t like the ending, which I found to be odd but pretty awesome nonetheless, very poetic [i think] as you say. Can’t remember it so well, maybe I should watch the ending again just to forge a proper opinion of it. But that can wait.
Guy Lodge said,
September 18, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Nice review, Nick — and my condolences to all South Africans who have had to wait until September (!) to see this terrific film. Shameful.
For my part, it was my favourite film of the year’s first half, and that ending has really stayed with me over the months. (I saw it in February.) Martin McDonagh is one exciting writer.
Jerry said,
September 18, 2008 at 6:18 pm
It’s only getting released in SA now? Shame, glad you saw it earlier though, I loved it.
Daniel said,
September 18, 2008 at 6:42 pm
“it is the ever dependable but not always appropriately utilized Farrell that steals the show.”
Yes! Between this and Cassandra’s Dream, the guy showed that when he doesn’t have to attempt an American accent, he’s actually a decent actor. I hope he continues down this path.
Matthew Lucas said,
September 18, 2008 at 9:27 pm
I just bought this on DVD last night, I can’t wait to see it again!
Lucy said,
September 18, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Holly crabcakes that is a mighy fine review you have there! Loved the film to bits and pieces, I have the DVD too.
J.D. said,
September 18, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Great review, Nick me boy. :)
Farrell was damn good, wasn’t he?! I sorta couldn’t believe it. I’ve never actually thought he’s a bad actor (and I’ve seen Alexander), but WOW. Cassandra’s Dream, too (but please just take my word for it).
And the ending was one of my favorite parts of the movie, mostly because I love optimism that is basically spoiled pessimism.
I didn’t really love it when I saw it, though I should probably give it a second chance, now that I know how depressing it is (thanks Carter Burwell!).
Sam Juliano said,
September 18, 2008 at 10:43 pm
I liked IN BRUGES very much–in fact it may well be in the top ten at this point, of 2008. Seems like you were caught in the spirit of the film, but re-posting the review for the opening, and you did a beautiful job–the “McDonagh’s strenth….” paragraph is terrific, and you rightly point to the film’s dichotomy in stirring the emotions and providing some wit and humor. This film is fabulous on second viewing–the DVD was used in my own house to turn on several friends to teh film, after that memorable theatrical foray.
Top-drawer essay!
Miranda Wilding said,
September 19, 2008 at 1:04 am
Wondrous critique as always, sweetie.
I was filled with trepidation when I saw this back in March because I knew that it would be the very first review I would ever write for the site.
Turns out the film was so bloody brilliant, poignant and hysterically funny (in my view, anyway…) that the review pretty much wrote itself. I did a little fine tuning after the fact (perfectionists live with this burden, I know) but the whole enterprise was so much easier than I ever expected it to be. If the film hadn’t been my definition of four stars, it might’ve been a hell of a lot harder.
MARTIN McDONAGH is an extremely talented writer and director. BRENDAN GLEESON is excellent as always. Seriously, is there ANY CHARACTER that RALPH FIENNES can’t play? His Cockney accent is flawless. COLIN FARRELL absolutely breaks your heart…and the other 70% of the time his reactions and attitude make for some highly ridiculous scenarios in the best way imaginable.
The twists and turns keep you guessing. The last few scenes make your jaw drop (didn’t see much of that coming in from out of left field) but I’m fine with the ending. It’s an extraordinarily original piece. You don’t find many of them around any more.
I’m so glad that you enjoyed this, Nicky.
IN BRUGES is still one of the very best films of the year – and I absolutely adored it.
Guy Lodge said,
September 19, 2008 at 2:11 am
“The guy showed that when he doesn’t have to attempt an American accent, he’s actually a decent actor.”
Untrue and unfair, Daniel. One word: “Tigerland.”
Rick Olson said,
September 19, 2008 at 5:41 am
I liked “In Bruges” a lot, but I thought Farrell was mannered and too actor-twitchy. But what about that Ralph Fiennes? And Brendan Gleeson was very good in a somewhat thankless role.
Nice review, Nick.
GoshWatcher said,
September 19, 2008 at 4:15 pm
God I loved this move, easily one of the best of the year so far. Glad you liked it too kiddo.
Nick Plowman said,
September 19, 2008 at 11:25 pm
I am very glad everyone likes it, and I am very sad that I have never seen Tigerland fully.
douglas.racso said,
September 21, 2008 at 5:53 pm
this is a very good film i hope the script gets academy attention. i HOPE
Ciaran said,
November 3, 2008 at 11:06 am
Miranda Wilding, are you serious about Fiennes cockney accent? Did he get coaching from Don Cheadle!? It was brutal. Im shocked that such a fine actor and an Englishman could do such a poor accent. As a real Londoner it ruined the film for me. That part was made for Ray Winstone.