In 2006 a movie made the arthouse rounds that turned heads. This movie stood out by using old parts in a new way. The man behind the curtain was Rian Johnson and the movie was Brick. It tells the story of a high school student looking into the murder of his ex-girlfriend. No, not terribly original, but picture this simple-on-the surface plot and apply the logic, dialog, and general style of the hard-boiled gumshoe stories of the 1930s. It was a breathtaking experience that has held up on repeat viewings. It is now three years later and Rian Johnson has returned with a new film, one that is distinctly different than Brick, yet still has that sense of originality combined with familiarity. Yes, The Brothers Bloom is here.
The only thing I needed to know about this film going in was that it was written and directed by Rian Johnson. Then I saw the trailer, and if there was any doubt that I wanted to see this, it was erased. Of course, I avoided spoilers and tried to keep my expectations in check. You never know if Brick was a fluke, or if having a sizable budget will have an effect on an up and coming director. The only other knowledge of the film I had before the screening was an interview with composer Nathan Johnson (Rian's cousin) where he discussed the project in non-spoiler fashion. It was an interesting talk and featured a couple of interesting passages from the score.
All right, enough of this preamble, I am sure you are much more interested in my thoughts on the film. In short, the movie is a slice of smile-inducing, tear-creating brilliance. The movie is distinctly different from Brick, yet it is still recognizable as coming from the same director.
At its basest, The Brothers Bloom is a con-man movie. It is about playing the con and taking it all the way, selling it on your way to the "perfect" con. What makes this con-man movie stand out is the unique vision that Rian Johnson brings to the tale. It has a very realistic feel to it, although it also exists in a distinctly fantasy-flavored world. The movie is bubbling with a bouncy kinetic energy that is hard not to get into. It transcends the con-man tale to tell a story about the people involved.
The movie opens in the past with the brothers as youngsters getting into trouble and bouncing around the foster home circuit before deciding they are better off on their own; they have a knack for pulling cons. The brothers are Stephen (Mark Ruffalo), the con craftsman, and Bloom (Adrien Brody) - no first name needed - the sympathetic face who longs to have a life that is not written by Stephen.
Article comments
1 - Ruth Seeley
Saw The Brothers Bloom a few days ago, not having a read a review or heard of Rian Johnson. Loved it. This film works on so many levels - and poses so many questions. It's simultaneously quirky, profound, and funny.