THE BRAVE ONE - Film Review
THE BRAVE ONE
Prepare for the unexpected. If, like me, you've never met a revenge picture you like, The Brave One may prove itself the exception. This is because, despite itself, it's not really a revenge picture. It is more an artful character study of a woman's search for meaning in a violent world.
I abhor reviews that walk you through the plot while telling you they won't spoil the picture for you. So I will give you the thumbnail: bad things happen to a normal woman, and in preparing to defend herself she finds a unquiet peace in fighting back.
I'm a big Jodie Foster fan. My one regret is she doesn't make more pictures. I assume that's because she waits for the right property to come along. That's why when I viewed the trailer to The Brave One I panicked: Jodie had made a revenge picture. Could it possibly be? So I viewed the preview based on trust—in her choices—and I wasn't disappointed. It is a marvel to watch her steady decline, emotionally and physically, into the abyss. It is not easy going—this film does not work to make the viewer comfortable. I squirmed through most of it.
The first act—roughly the first third of picture—is the weakest. The early romance is stiff and unconvincing. The director contrasts brutality with love making in elegant counterpoint and juxtaposition, but I found myself reaching for an airplane bag that wasn't there. Relief comes in the form of Terrence Howard, whose performance is one of a gloomy presence, a steadfast determination motivated by his own inability to do what he knows is right. He plays this moral ambiguity with bravado and his wonderful speaking voice transforms his performance. His angst helps him to fill the screen. His sidekick, played by Nicky Katt—of Boston Public--gets the best lines in the picture—and delivers the only laughs, which arrive like air to a drowning man.
Once "Jodi gets her gun," and her courage, the movie takes off. The more a hero, the more a failure, and this is the through-line that intrigues the viewer. It's also what prevents this from being a straight up revenge picture, which, in the end, is what saved it for me. I liked this film, but unlike Silence of The Lambs, I'm unlikely to see it again. It's a film that takes its toll; but that's just the point: The Brave One is a film, not a movie.
The popcorn sits on the floor while watching this one; you must remind yourself to breathe. But when you finally do breathe again, it is a breath of relief, even though the film fails to deliver the correct ending.
There is a sign shown early in the film that reads: Stranger's Gate. I assume this was the working title, for it's thematically pitch perfect. Why The Brave One, I'm not sure—ask the studio executives. But Stranger's Gate says it all. The characters who people this film are strangers to each other, and ultimately strangers to themselves, which is what makes it such an intriguing and interesting—if not disturbing—film to watch.
Prepare for the unexpected. If, like me, you've never met a revenge picture you like, The Brave One may prove itself the exception. This is because, despite itself, it's not really a revenge picture. It is more an artful character study of a woman's search for meaning in a violent world.
I abhor reviews that walk you through the plot while telling you they won't spoil the picture for you. So I will give you the thumbnail: bad things happen to a normal woman, and in preparing to defend herself she finds a unquiet peace in fighting back.
I'm a big Jodie Foster fan. My one regret is she doesn't make more pictures. I assume that's because she waits for the right property to come along. That's why when I viewed the trailer to The Brave One I panicked: Jodie had made a revenge picture. Could it possibly be? So I viewed the preview based on trust—in her choices—and I wasn't disappointed. It is a marvel to watch her steady decline, emotionally and physically, into the abyss. It is not easy going—this film does not work to make the viewer comfortable. I squirmed through most of it.
The first act—roughly the first third of picture—is the weakest. The early romance is stiff and unconvincing. The director contrasts brutality with love making in elegant counterpoint and juxtaposition, but I found myself reaching for an airplane bag that wasn't there. Relief comes in the form of Terrence Howard, whose performance is one of a gloomy presence, a steadfast determination motivated by his own inability to do what he knows is right. He plays this moral ambiguity with bravado and his wonderful speaking voice transforms his performance. His angst helps him to fill the screen. His sidekick, played by Nicky Katt—of Boston Public--gets the best lines in the picture—and delivers the only laughs, which arrive like air to a drowning man.
Once "Jodi gets her gun," and her courage, the movie takes off. The more a hero, the more a failure, and this is the through-line that intrigues the viewer. It's also what prevents this from being a straight up revenge picture, which, in the end, is what saved it for me. I liked this film, but unlike Silence of The Lambs, I'm unlikely to see it again. It's a film that takes its toll; but that's just the point: The Brave One is a film, not a movie.
The popcorn sits on the floor while watching this one; you must remind yourself to breathe. But when you finally do breathe again, it is a breath of relief, even though the film fails to deliver the correct ending.
There is a sign shown early in the film that reads: Stranger's Gate. I assume this was the working title, for it's thematically pitch perfect. Why The Brave One, I'm not sure—ask the studio executives. But Stranger's Gate says it all. The characters who people this film are strangers to each other, and ultimately strangers to themselves, which is what makes it such an intriguing and interesting—if not disturbing—film to watch.
posted by Ridley at 11:44 AM
3 Comments:
Hey, what fun! Ridley does movie reveiws! Life gets even MORE exciting. I thought keeping my gardenia plant alive was a step for mankind...but now this!
After seeing the previews, I thought this was going to be the old Bronson replay. But after reading this, it sounds lke once again Jodie has made a wise decision in her career.
Jodie Foster is hard not to want to see more of. For some reason she reminds me of "Scully" from x-files..(I forget how to spell her real name) We need more women like Jodie in movies.
The last movie she made, where she lost her kid, really hit home. How many times have I done that, only to have to discover he was still in the car?
(just kidding)
I'll be looking forward to ALL your movie reviews Ridley. It will save me money and time, Thanks.
Sounds like I better take some gloves along...my nails are short enough.
I am a huge Jodie Foster fan. She is so good at picking movies that are not fluff (even the Maverick movie was fun). The Brve One doesn't start here until the 14th. I'll be in the theater soon after.
I have to agree with Joyanna about looking forward to your reviews. I usually don't give the ones in magazines and newspapers much weight. But if it is a review by someone I admire, that paints an entirely different picture.
Joyanna - Scully is her characters name, Gillian Anderson is her real name. They are going to make a new X-Files movie soon. Can't wait to see Ridley's review of that.
Rid
I'm thinking you are OK with the vigilante thang since it's a woman, she lost her love, and victims with such great hollywood skills are tempting... don't be fooled by that woman's ability to act her way into hearts of violent shocked americans....
We see such little violence anymore, compared to third world or even warzones like iraq, we start to simpathize or is it empithize? Always get them mixed up and can't spell either.
She is a huge starlet, and I remember her from paper moon - but of course i will see this movie and know it's a softer, more modern, new age Steven Seigal with the bronson bite that clint really capitalized on a few decades back.
My wife is going to roll her eyes when i tell her we are seeing a violent movie. Much blood in the scences?
I suspect the title is similar to the very graphic BRAVEHEART where mel makes us believe that diplomacy is for the heathens?
Keep up the good work,
Mike
'hollywood blinders removed'
Post a Comment
<< Home