Serious Movie Lover

IN BRUGES (2008/DVD)  I’m of the opinion that Colin Farrell is a seriously talented actor — in addition to being a hunk!   But I think he shows more of that talent in his small films.  Give me “Ondine” over “Alexander” or “A Home At the End of the World” over “Miami Vice.”  In keeping with that spirit, I highly recommend “In Bruges” as the antidote to the recent remake of “Total Recall.”  Not that Farrell isn’t solid in his latest effort– he’s just not as brilliant as he is in this one that won him the 2009 Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical. Already a cult classic, the movie was written and directed by Martin McDonagh, who was nominated for an Oscar for his debut film—not bad!  A dark comedy (make that very dark) and hard to categorize really, think of the movie as a sort of British version of “Pulp Fiction,”–funny as hell and riveting in the style of a B+ mobster flick. It’s set in the medieval town of Bruges (Belgium) and uses that setting as one of the main characters of the story.   The film centers on Farrell (as Raymond), a newbie gunman who has screwed up.  His partner is Ken (Brendan Gleeson wonderful as always); the two hit men have been sent from London to this quiet city at Christmastime to await instructions from their crazy boss Harry (a brilliant Ralph Fiennes).  While waiting, they run into a remarkable array of characters, including a dwarf actor (Jordan Prentice) in town to film a “Euro trash movie,” as well as a beautiful drug dealing Belgian woman (Clémence Poésy) who takes a shine to Raymond,  There are loads of other small roles, all played to perfection in the film. The dialogue is sharp and funny, and the accents are positively thick!  On top of all that, the movie’s soundtrack is haunting and perfect.  I hesitate to say anything more for fear of spoiling your fun when you see it—just take my word for it and don’t miss this one!  Rent it at your next opportunity and see what Colin Farrell can really do.

Grade:             A+