Movie Review: Brick (2005)

I have long been a closet fan of small, off the cuff Indie flicks that challenge the conventional mainstream of film. No, I am not talking about Indies that sold big like Brokeback Mountain (arguably a great film, but by no means an Indie.)
In fact, I am disturbed by a recent trend in the fabric of Hollywood's elite. It is a trend such that any director or producer can take $20 million of his or her own money to privately finance a film, and then call it an Indie and take it to Sundance. These films do not fall in line with what I believe to be the essence of Independent film making. A true Indie is a low-budget film made by filmmaker whose talent overshadows their wallet. Films like Clerks, Robert Rodriguez' El Mariachi or even Swingers are great examples of films who rise far above their lowly budgets to make an impact on the world of cinema.

Cut from this same fabric and dashed with a classic dose of film noir is Brick, the first feature offering from director Rian Johnson. Brick follows the story of Brendan (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a California high school student whose piercing intelligence has set him apart from his peers. But unlike your average high school outcast, Brendan understands the world of the social elite and chooses to stay clear — to remain on the outside. But when Brendan's ex-girlfriend Emily (Emilie de Ravin) makes a frantic call to him for help and then dissapears, it sends him deep into the world from which he has for so long chosen to distance himself. With the help of his trusted friend Brain (Matt O'Leary) Brendan sets off to try to help Emily, and possibly shake things up in the process.

The synopsis of this film seems simple, but it far from your average teen love story. You begin watching and are instantly intrigued by the dialogue of the film, which is sensational but at first out of place. In the beginning of the film it is hard to believe that you are watching high school kids speak and interact in such a manner, but there are very expertly placed moments that remind of the age and environment of the characters. Rian Johnson's script is, to say the least, masterful in the way that the story draws us in as if this were a great adult crime drama but constantly gives little reminders that these kids are in high school.

And my praise doesn't end with just the story. There is so much to be said about the acting that brings these characters to life. Joseph Gordon-Levitt's performance is absolutely stunning. You may remember him as the goofy son from the television show 3rd Rock from the Sun, but you may also not recognize him as he has grown significantly in his ability to capture an audience and illuminate a film. You may find yourself awe struck (I know I did!) in the way that he personifies a very cynical, unwavering lead that noir fans can truly appreciate.

Article Author: Film School Rejects

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