In Bruges

In Bruges (2008)
Directed by Martin McDonagh
***3/4

unexpected
I saw the trailer for In Bruges. And I definitely saw the poster. They made it look like the movie would be funny and a bit tense. They've got it all wrong. If I had made this film, I'd sue my promoters for false advertising. What I really got was a phenomenal drama about two hit men stuck in Bruges, mulling over the wrongness of their crimes and whether they still have any time to do something good. It has its laughs, sure. But this isn't Guy Ritchie. This is the Coens on a good day. At points, even better. Unexpectedly, In Bruges came around the corner and landed on my top list for 2008.

thought-provoking
When the title sequence began, I thought to myself, this is far too brooding for a comedy. But stylish still, definitely stylish. Not cheesy or overwrought. Then, when the action began and we met Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson), two of the best characters on film all year, I felt at the same time surprised and relieved. This isn't the film I was expecting — it was much better.

Ken and Ray are hitmen. Which is not good. They've been sent to Bruges, Belgium after their recent hit, which perplexes both of them a little. Ken loves the sightseeing. Ray can't stand it. And in the meanwhile, the stillness gives them time to ponder their chosen life path and the wrong they've caused. Not exactly what their boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes) had planned. Not at all.

So in the meanwhile they meet up with a dwarf (Jordan Prentice) who's starring in some hokey local film; Chloë, a mysterious blonde (Clémence Poésy); and Marie, their hotel's pregnant co-owner. They get into some trouble. And eventually, as we knew was going to happen from the beginning, Harry shows up. Don't worry - I'm not really spoiling anything here. The beauty of the film is its characters and just how the action unfolds.

acted to the hilt
Speaking of characters, I would shortlist both Farrell and Gleeson for Best Supporting Actor — in a heartbeat. These guys were tremendous, and I'd say these are probably the best performances of their respective careers so far, which are already not too shabby. Fiennes is delightfully scary (almost unrecognizable), and Prentice and Poésy are just plain delightful.

Now I'm not going to suggest that the film is a walk in the park. It has profanity coming out the wazoo, and more than one scene of surprising violence. Just to warn you, in case that should rule out the film as a good match for you. There are more than enough POE to go around. In a respect, this is just a less-music-video, more tasteful version of Guy Ritchie. As in, Guy Ritchie meets, I dunno, Michael Mann. Edgy, really edgy at times, but mature and thought-provoking.

It's not for all, but at the very least you should know ... it's completely different than the trailers. And better. Perhaps even worth a try. Just go in expecting a Scorcese or Coens film that's worth it. Not the third part of Analyze This.

Comments

[John Chiafos]

I love this film. I'm hoping for big things from its director. And you're right: it was totally mis-marketed.

[Neville]

This was a top 5 film for me, easily. One of the best meditations on hell I've ever seen actually on film. I loved this movie, oh so much. Thanks for saying such good things about it. Get the word out: people should see this one.