This is the second in a series of stories from the 2008 Starz Denver Film Festival, where 215 films are being shown from November 13-23. The 150 filmmakers invited represent the city’s 150th anniversary, which will be celebrated November 22.
The Brothers Bloom has its pros and cons. More on that later.
It’s essentially a caper film, so there certainly are a lot of con men (and a couple of women) running amok in what director Rian Johnson has referred to as “Marx Brothers-style controlled chaos.” But it also tries to be a story about storytelling, a love story, a brotherly love story, a silent comedy, and a travelogue all rolled into one. It succeeds on some levels better than others.
Leading Roles 
Adrien Brody (Bloom); Rachel Weisz, right (Penelope Stamp); Mark Ruffalo (Stephen); Rinko Kikuchi (Bang Bang). Also appearing are Robbie Coltrane (The Curator) and Maximilian Schell (Diamond Dog).
Director, Screenwriter
Rian Johnson, returning to Denver for the opening night showcase at the fancy-schmanzy Ellie Caulkins Opera House, was introduced by festival director Britta Erickson as “a talent we’ll be watching for years to come.” Directing his first feature since 2005’s Brick, Johnson, right, recalled attending Dry Creek Elementary School down the road and being one of the first families on his block to have a video camera. Back in the day, he said, it was basically like lugging around a VCR on your shoulder. In introducing The Bloom Brothers, Johnson hoped filmgoers (many of whom paid $30 a ticket) would “loosen up your ties a little bit” and “laugh often and laugh loudly.”
What’s It All About?
From the age of 13, big brother Stephen (Ruffalo) ropes little brother Bloom (Brody) into playing the confidence game for life. It takes them 25 years later to Berlin. After a quick stop in Montenegro, the “final mark” is found in New Jersey, an “eccentric shut-in rich bitch” by the name of Penelope (Weisz), an heiress who “collects hobbies” as much as she crashes her Lamborghini. When Stephen promises Bloom “this will be the last one,” you know that’s a lie.
Article comments
1 - jango
whyncha just tell us the whole damn story, you inadequate critic??
2 - carmen
I agree with you. I did find this one con-fusing and somewhat drawn out. I loved Kikuchi's role and her comparison to Harpo is perfect. Keep up the good work.