‘In Bruges’ is a Black Comedy Masterpiece
-----I had heard good things about ‘In Bruges,’ but I had my doubts. As many know I live for the summer blockbuster event film. ‘In Bruges’ was an exceptional surprise that made me roar with laughter during its’ comedic scenes and sit in suspense during the intense ones. Many people will like this film for different reasons, with some, like me, loving every single bit of it.
-----The film starts out in an unconventional way for a story about hit men. The two leads, played excellently by Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, are laying low in the Belgian city of Bruges after a hit gone wrong. We quickly learn by way of a superb script the individualities of the two men. Quiet and sentimental Ken (Gleeson) is intrigued by the classic city around them. Easily bored and cynical Ray (Farrell) is not. Their chemistry is top notch and the ensuing conversations are absolutely hilarious. This isn’t just a buddy comedy though, for many pressing questions drive the film. What went wrong to send them to Bruges? How long will they be in Bruges? And most importantly of all, why Bruges?
-----The music is simple in presentation yet effective. The screenplay is one of the best of the year. The cinematography is brilliant having been filmed in the city of Bruges itself. And the acting, of course, drives the film. Ralph Fiennes plays a classic role that only aids the leads in their effective execution, no pun intended. The film is blunt, original, and hard hitting. These are just a few of the aspects that make it one of the best films of the year.
-----Be forewarned, it is not, as I have stated previously, just a simple comedy. There are many layers to this movie, as long as you’re willing to read between the lines. Dark themes are common and reality is also a key player. In fact, it may be one of the most down to Earth hit men movies I’ve seen, though the competition is limited. I only warn the viewer because I never like going in to a film expecting a light comedy and getting dark realism. It is the type of comedy where you laugh, not at jokes, but at how the characters believably react and interact. In this movie you will find there are brilliantly executed moments of epic struggle, and performances that define careers. ‘In Bruges’ should be skipped by no one (except for children, it is a quite violent film with a considerable amount of dirty language thanks to Fiennes’ character). Ultimately, it is a classic genre film that sets the standard for black comedies and hit men movies alike.
-----Oscar Watch: Colin Farrell won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical. Only time will tell if this can carry over to the Academy Awards.
