I don't think it's contrived. It was a small town. People will eventually run into one another. The fact that it took so long only adds to the realism.
This was filmed in my hometown and stars my absolute favorite contemporary actor-Gosling-so it’s hard to find fault with it other than how quickly Gosling leaves the screen.
I found this film to be even better then I expected (I was a big fan of Blue Valentine). I made sure I knew as little as possible about it -plot wise- before going in and found the film to be very interesting and a definite breath of fresh air compared to the usual contrived, meaningless rubbish we are subjected to in mainstream cinemas. Cianfrance is quickly rising up my favourite wrier/directors list. If he continues to make such personal movies I think he could end up with the cinema greats
I love Gosling, but I have to agree. He has very expressive eyes, but his *expression* never changes. I suppose you could say, if you were being charitable, that he manages to emote more by doing less. Somehow, whatever it is, he remains eminently watchable.
There are good, effective actors with a limited palette of expressions. Steve McQueen was quite wooden-faced, but he was a great screen presence when the script was good. Ryan Gosling is effective, but for me, it’s neither flexible enough, neither wooden-faced enough, I can’t figure out how he is passing as one of the greatest actors alive. He is good, but mainly, he is good at choosing films which fit what he can do, and fit his capabilities into the film. That’s fantastic, and have great results. And he is really likeable and uses very well his gaze. But still, he is *by far* not the best actor of his generation at all!!
I don't think it's a fair criticism that it's ripping off serpico in the 2nd act just because it involves a cop getting trapped in corruption in his precinct, that's a common theme with American cops in movies because our country has an ongoing history of police corruption running entire precincts and the honest cops being pressured into silence.
There are some older reviews that are not available to people outside the UK. Like Mark's review of Adventureland. Is there any chance that those videos can be made available now?
I understand what they were going for the whole time and I appreciate the unorthodox plot. But that last third... What the hell was that? It starts out gritty and realistic and makes a complete 180 by the ending, having a completely theatrical and unrealistic finale. It really took me out of it all. I just want to put this out there: this is nothing compared to Blue Valentine in regards to emotional punch or character. 6.5/10, okay, meh, below average, one thumb down, etc.
Just back from this, very disappointing to me to be honest. Not engaging enough with a plot that over-reaches and forgets to get you invested in the characters, 5/10 for me
I liked the slightly unconventional 3-part story. However, if I had my way, I would have the whole revolving around Bradley Cooper's character which I found the most interesting. I think he outshone Gosling by a long way. PS. I really hated the camera work!
There is greek tragedy and there is making a film about a guy who got shot in the leg as if he abolished North Korean regime in the meantime. Utterly bad film after the first act...
A masterpiece up until you find out the final revelation of the last act. After you learn that (which I thought was really well done) for me the film has no more unknowns to offer. You know what has to happen for the "story" that Cianfrance is telling to be completed. So it kinda runs outta steam after that.
The so-called "stars" in this film were the worst performances. Gandolfini had some good lines in the bar scene, but everyone else was just phoning it in. Brad Pitt in particular spent the entire film posturing and preening. Mendlesohn and McNairy were great as co-leads, and to b honest they are the only reason to go near this.
I love Mark, but I'm never going to watch a review without watching the movie before ever again.
I don't think it's contrived. It was a small town. People will eventually run into one another. The fact that it took so long only adds to the realism.
This was filmed in my hometown and stars my absolute favorite contemporary actor-Gosling-so it’s hard to find fault with it other than how quickly Gosling leaves the screen.
I found this film to be even better then I expected (I was a big fan of Blue Valentine). I made sure I knew as little as possible about it -plot wise- before going in and found the film to be very interesting and a definite breath of fresh air compared to the usual contrived, meaningless rubbish we are subjected to in mainstream cinemas. Cianfrance is quickly rising up my favourite wrier/directors list. If he continues to make such personal movies I think he could end up with the cinema greats
Awesome film.
One of the best films of the century that has come from America
This film was fantastic in it's first two acts. The third act lowered the rating for me.
Powerful movie
They do. The team pass on any reasonable requests.
I'm looking forward to his next decent film that sees him playing a stunt-unicyclist.
Great dark music that contrasts with the images…. Also so many parallels running through the movie…. Especially the hall and oats one
It's still the greatest film I've ever seen.
watch more films
@@orangewarm1 true
If you're that interested in Mark Kermode's opinion, you should know that he's fairly contemptuous of the Oscars.
I love Gosling, but I have to agree. He has very expressive eyes, but his *expression* never changes. I suppose you could say, if you were being charitable, that he manages to emote more by doing less.
Somehow, whatever it is, he remains eminently watchable.
There are good, effective actors with a limited palette of expressions. Steve McQueen was quite wooden-faced, but he was a great screen presence when the script was good. Ryan Gosling is effective, but for me, it’s neither flexible enough, neither wooden-faced enough, I can’t figure out how he is passing as one of the greatest actors alive. He is good, but mainly, he is good at choosing films which fit what he can do, and fit his capabilities into the film. That’s fantastic, and have great results. And he is really likeable and uses very well his gaze. But still, he is *by far* not the best actor of his generation at all!!
the structure of this film still blows me away
I don't think it's a fair criticism that it's ripping off serpico in the 2nd act just because it involves a cop getting trapped in corruption in his precinct, that's a common theme with American cops in movies because our country has an ongoing history of police corruption running entire precincts and the honest cops being pressured into silence.
The film’s well acted, well directed, well written, emotional, stylish & is A well focused crime drama thriller. (84%) (4/5 stars) (positive)
There are some older reviews that are not available to people outside the UK. Like Mark's review of Adventureland. Is there any chance that those videos can be made available now?
yeah - lars....is a really good performance.
Gosling should get the role of FEYED in the upcoming DUNE movie 🙏🎬
So HEAT is still the best bank-robbery-one man is the cop-one man is the thief- movie?
I would say so, yes.
Lars and the real girl that's a classic of weirdness :) .
I dont think kermodeandmayo really have any involvement in the youtube channel. I could be wrong!
its a good one though
Here, here.
would you ask mark if he has seen the room before?
yes that's sheer beauty...
You were watching the film, yes?
You clearly have no idea what your are talking about. Watch some of his earlier work like 'Lars and The Real Girl' and 'Half Nelson'.
Badass
why isnt your dream to make movies you enjoy?
I understand what they were going for the whole time and I appreciate the unorthodox plot. But that last third... What the hell was that? It starts out gritty and realistic and makes a complete 180 by the ending, having a completely theatrical and unrealistic finale. It really took me out of it all. I just want to put this out there: this is nothing compared to Blue Valentine in regards to emotional punch or character. 6.5/10, okay, meh, below average, one thumb down, etc.
I've grown to despise Ryan Gosling.
agreed, saw this tonight in London, -good cast but predictable
Just back from this, very disappointing to me to be honest. Not engaging enough with a plot that over-reaches and forgets to get you invested in the characters, 5/10 for me
I liked the slightly unconventional 3-part story. However, if I had my way, I would have the whole revolving around Bradley Cooper's character which I found the most interesting. I think he outshone Gosling by a long way.
PS. I really hated the camera work!
@mmacaliber, i hope its because you're under 14 or something like that. its not that great, and i blame the script. acting was great
Wrong film.
There is greek tragedy and there is making a film about a guy who got shot in the leg as if he abolished North Korean regime in the meantime. Utterly bad film after the first act...
A masterpiece up until you find out the final revelation of the last act. After you learn that (which I thought was really well done) for me the film has no more unknowns to offer. You know what has to happen for the "story" that Cianfrance is telling to be completed. So it kinda runs outta steam after that.
Ryan Gosling has 1 facial expression only
The so-called "stars" in this film were the worst performances. Gandolfini had some good lines in the bar scene, but everyone else was just phoning it in. Brad Pitt in particular spent the entire film posturing and preening.
Mendlesohn and McNairy were great as co-leads, and to b honest they are the only reason to go near this.
Lmao love the random diatribe about Killing Them Softly on a review of an entirely different film