Film Filter: Off- I had seen this film a loooong time ago, and I remembered it was amazing, but not much else. I decided to refresh it to see if it met/disappointed/exceeded my memory's expectations.
Pros- I like to consider myself somewhat of a Font Nazi. Fontzi? A later post on my personal blog will expand upon this concept, however, the choice of font for the film's opening credits…and all credits, really, was superb. This seems like a pointless praise, however we are always taught that first impressions are irreplaceable, and if a film's first impression isn't a scene and is text, or a monologue, or music, it had better leave one with a good impression.
Obviously the cast was very well selected, as both leading males did a great job with their roles. The movie was not really about them, or their relationships, but it delved into enough of both for the audience to feel like they can get behind them on a personal level, rather than just the superficial protagonist/antagonist relationship. We also got to see the evolution of each of the characters' perceptions of one another, which was an important aspect of the character development for both.
I love themes, and in regards to murder themes I find them absolutely riveting. Taking a symbolic approach to the seven deadly sins, the film perfectly executes (pun intended) a flawless set up, climax, and resolution to what proves to be quite the intricate storyline. It also allows the audience to perceive the natural antagonist in a different light towards the end, as the cool, collected nature of the murderer leads him to rationalize and defend his actions from a spiritual and societal standpoint. It is also really interesting to see the two cops and how each interrogates and initiates mind games with the killer in their own way, and the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of each of their approaches.
I could go on for awhile about the rest of the pros here, but far and away my favorite part of this film is *SPOILER ALERT* Kevin Spacey as the bad guy. He is just so ultimately perfect for this role, and just nails it from start to finish…particularly finish. The fact that the opening credits didn't list him, and saved him for the closing credits was a clever move as well, albeit now we're in an IMDB age where those type of surprises matter a little less. I don't want to spoil the whole thing, but the way Spacey's character plots for the last two bodies is just sheer perfection. I can't honestly believe that I had watched this film and not remembered the end. I must've been really young, or really tired, but job well done.
Cons- I had put this film on as I was finishing up my thank you cards, and it was more of a refresher course than an actual "I must drink in every detail" sort of engagement, but I have to say that the beginning was a little slow to start. Despite jumping right into the murders, it just felt a little bit ploddy to me, but I'm not sure if there's much that could have been done to fix it. In their defense, once the action did pick up, both literally and in terms of the plot, it held you until the credits, so I guess the payoff was worth it.
I think that someone was trying a bit too hard with Brad Pitt's character, in terms of "I'm a new cop…screw him…I'll do anything to get the job done…we're here to help everyone because everyone is worth saving" sort of heroism. I get that it's an important part of his character, and I do like that they have a moment in the bar where he can pseudo-rationalize it, but I just think the audience is really beaten over the head with it.
Wrap up- If you couldn't tell by my Pros column, I really enjoyed this film, and despite having already seen it, it definitely exceeded my already high expectations. I don't think I was at an age or point where I would have appreciated Spacey's short-lived but outstanding performance, nor the diabolical scheming his character produced throughout the film, so I'm glad I gave it a second go. It's a must-see, in my opinion.
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