In Bruges (2008)
Starring: Colin Farrell, Brenden Gleeson, Ralph Fiennes, Clémence Poésy
Director: Martin McDonagh
Country: UK
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Suspense
Dark comedies are usually a dismal genre, producing some of the lowest of the barrel films imaginable. There’s something about the dark side of human nature that doesn’t make well for a laughing matter. Such is usually the case, but not for In Bruges. Upon first viewing, it seems to falter the way that many dark comedies do, in that the balance of comedy and violence seems tipped towards the latter, but there is an underlying tone in this film that rings true– something Death to Smoochy can’t say. It’s characters go through really traumatic experiences (both physically and emotionally,) and it never wavers from allowing the comedy (and drama) to stem from that. It’s less a farce than a humorous tragedy, (0r a tragic comedy.) Easily has some of the best performances of each of the actors careers; Colin Farrell is utilized perfectly as the cocky hitman trying to cope with having done a horrible deed, Brenden Gleeson shines as his partner torn between two sides of an equation, and Ralph Fiennes shows his ever-so-rare comedic chops as the hot-headed gangster boss. It’s not for the faint of heart, but those who can get past a few instances of ultra-violence will be rewarded with a hilarious, and even touching film.
100%
Tags: British, Comedy, Dark Comedy, Drama, Independent, Suspense
2008 Films | this guy over here
You might also like
|
|
|
|
|
