Review: The Brothers Bloom

Year: 2008
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Stars: Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel Weisz & Rinko Kikuchi
Director: Rian Johnson

Overview: Rian Johnson’s follow up to his teen-noir flick Brick with The Brothers Bloom a throwback to classic capers, love stories and a host of other influences. The Brothers Bloom are confidence men who are in for one more score, a reclusive and eccentric heiress who eventually falls in love with the younger of the pair. Told with style and set in a multitude of exotic locations, this movie keeps you entertained and brings new life to predictable themes.

Writing: The dialogue of this movie is phonetically mesmerizing. Ruffalo and Brody exchange barbs like any loving siblings would and they both share the sophistication of a life well lived. The story near the end starts to spiral seemingly out of control but like a well executed card trick, the reveal is worth the moments of confusion. The motif of the distortion of reality and the whole world being played out like a story creates an otherworldliness that makes the more convoluted plot points believable.

Directing: There is a scene in the movie where Penelope and Bloom have an enlightening discussion about pinhole cameras. Penelope remarks that through certain lenses even the most mundane of objects can look obscure and interesting. These few short snippets of dialogue reveal director Rian Johnson's Modus Operandi. Through his eyes we are taken into a fantastical world within our own where larger than life characters con and swindle not for the money but for the art. Every part behind the camera works together and make an impression but the lighting deserves special mention. From the curious twinkle of a will-o'-the-wisp to the ominous flicker of a dying lantern, light amplifies each wonderful scene and toggles with our senses.

Acting: All the major players in the piece of cinematic treasure manage to make the most of their roles. Both Ruffalo and Brody to admirable jobs as the cocky Steven and the sensitive Bloom. Ruffalo manages to show a deep love for his brother and his character's need to pull off the "perfect con" comes off effortlessly. Brody can come off a little too whiny at some points but his scenes with Weisz are electric. Kikuchi even manages to make the most of her role as the Brothers' mute explosives expert. You can almost make out exactly what she's saying through her facial expressions and body language, making the adage "sometimes silence is more powerful than words" seem true. The real draw here however is Weisz. As naive as she may appear at times she manages to keep up with the Brothers every step of the way, causing Bloom to exclaim "sometimes I think she knows everything". Elegant, kind, eccentric and smart Rachel Weisz's Penelope is one of the most original female characters to come out of Hollywood.

Bankability: Why was this film not advertised more during its theatrical release? Shown in only four theaters and expanded to less than 200 weeks later, the movie was nothing but a blip on the radar. With a well known cast and a well established plot, not to mention a young director with excellent credentials this movie should have at least been pushed as early winter Oscar bate. No such luck. Still this movie moves along spritefully and will be quite a treat for those in the video store looking for something to watch.

ALL-Factor: This movie does indeed have it all. It's funny, intelligent, thrilling and even sad at points. With good directing, writing, acting and themes, this movie transcends entertainment to become storytelling artistry.

Conclusion: Like Johnson's previous film Brick, The Brothers Bloom works off of earlier cinematic influences, borrows some slick camera techniques and manages to bring originality to worn out themes. Unlike Brick however, The Brothers Bloom is more accessible to modern audiences. Instead of using stylistic dialogue and a bleak plot, this film's script is keeps it light and fun. I would recommend this movie to anyone and everyone.