|
Brick
Directed by: Rian Johnson
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Genre:
Thriller/Drama/
Independent
Run Time: 110
min.
Release Date:
April 2006
On The Web:
Official
Site
Teaser:
Movie Trailer
Reviewed by
Byron Merritt |
"This is not a teen movie."
This statement comes straight from director Rian Johnson and never have
truer words been spoken. The language is strong, forceful and brilliant,
and the settings dark, drug-infected, and noirish, hearkening back to
Sam Spade in The Maltese Falcon.
Being one of his first feature films, Rian Johnson has struck gold with
this indie movie, making us wonder what he could accomplish with a
larger budget (BRICK was made on less than $500,000).
The story seems pedestrian enough. A high schooler named Brendan (Joseph
Gordon-Levitt, 3rd Rock from the Sun) takes it upon himself to
investigate the death of his former girlfriend Emily (Emilie de Ravin,
LOST). The
discoveries launch Brendan into dark corners where drugs, thugs, and
friends combine to form a triangle of deadly proportions. Pulling
heavily from noir films of ol', this updated look and story has a unique
place amongst the genre. Brendan's niche group cares nothing for
cheerleading squads or who's dating who. The level of sophistication is
upped to extreme levels, showing us a danger and intellect amongst the
teen population never before seen on celluloid.
The noir comparisons are the most fascinating. The cloudy skies,
telephone booths, and shadowy locales give an underpinning sense of
dread, much like films from the 30s and 40s. There's even a piano
playing portion that obviously pays homage to the "Play it again, Sam"
lovers.
Shot on location at San Clemente High School (the directors alma mater)
and edited on a home computer, this amazing flick will win audiences
over with its wonderful camera angles, dark themes and excellent script.
The acting, too, is well done with Joseph Gordon-Levitt appearing in
every scene and pulling the quality of the entire production even
higher.
My only gripe is the sound. Editing must've been tough and several times
lines were garbled or mumbled, making it necessary to rewind and find
out what was said.
Watch out Mr. Spielberg and Mr. Howard. Rian Johnson is on your tails!
Sundance Award
Winning Film: 2005 Special Jury Prize Dramatic - Originality of Vision
(back to top) |
Image from Brick
DVD cost: $11.99
Purchase:
BestPrices.com
Film Review Stew
Favorite? No.
Stew Poo-Poo? No.
Newsworthy:
In his meeting with
Trueman, Brendan refers to a teacher "Kasprzyk" as being "tough but
fair". Mrs. Kasprzyk was an actual teacher of English (including
Advanced Placement English) who was largely known as being tough but
fair at San Clemente High School, the school where the movie was shot.
Movie Quote: "Emily
said words I didn't know. Tell me if they catch."
Other Actors/Actresses
from Brick
   |
