I'm certain I could write an entire essay on the many narrative themes, ingenious dialogue, complex characters, and iconic sequences this film has to offer. But even then, there's a lot I'd be leaving under the proverbial rug. And that's not to say it has flaws that taint its exemplary production or deeper meaning - because, truth be told, I appreciate those blemishes; they're part of what makes this film so riveting and memorable. It's more to do with the unconventional approach that layers these elements into a project that dares an audience to understand everybody's motivations without compromising their core beliefs.
Taking place within the barren borders of West Texas, a drug deal gone wrong creates an opportunity for a lucky hunter who finds himself in the right place, at the right time. But when the seemingly risk-free endeavour leaves tracks for those in pursuit, our story takes a turn for the worst - leaving no stone unturned to resolve the problem that initial opportunity created.
The three prominent characters in this story, played by Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, and Josh Brolin are very carefully constructed. Each time we see them there's something revealed about who they are and what kind of exposure they have to the trail each leaves behind. They exchange their roles as rabbit, fox, and hunter throughout the film and you may be surprised by who ultimately becomes which animal in that analogy. But the very nature of wanting to procure a resolution is always at the center of all their decisions - even the more extreme ones. And I do mean extreme.
There's some hard-hitting savagery in this film. The Coen Brothers' willingness to visit these violent ideas is no different from the millions of filmmakers that came before them. In fact, their own work on Fargo pierces its physical display of gruesomeness through celluloid. But the way they navigate through the minefield of substance vs aesthetic is unique. It's that brave kind of creativity and aptitude that shows how in control they can be with their distinct blend of perspectives.
I often look for films that take me on those darker journeys because I believe they teach us a lot about ourselves. As the incomparable David Cronenberg once said, "An Artist is bound to explore every aspect of human experience, the darkest corners - not necessarily - but if that is where one is lead, that's where one must go." And it's in that quote that I'm often reminded of the way in which a true artist tells a story and lets their audience do the analysing.
Taking place within the barren borders of West Texas, a drug deal gone wrong creates an opportunity for a lucky hunter who finds himself in the right place, at the right time. But when the seemingly risk-free endeavour leaves tracks for those in pursuit, our story takes a turn for the worst - leaving no stone unturned to resolve the problem that initial opportunity created.
The three prominent characters in this story, played by Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, and Josh Brolin are very carefully constructed. Each time we see them there's something revealed about who they are and what kind of exposure they have to the trail each leaves behind. They exchange their roles as rabbit, fox, and hunter throughout the film and you may be surprised by who ultimately becomes which animal in that analogy. But the very nature of wanting to procure a resolution is always at the center of all their decisions - even the more extreme ones. And I do mean extreme.
There's some hard-hitting savagery in this film. The Coen Brothers' willingness to visit these violent ideas is no different from the millions of filmmakers that came before them. In fact, their own work on Fargo pierces its physical display of gruesomeness through celluloid. But the way they navigate through the minefield of substance vs aesthetic is unique. It's that brave kind of creativity and aptitude that shows how in control they can be with their distinct blend of perspectives.
I often look for films that take me on those darker journeys because I believe they teach us a lot about ourselves. As the incomparable David Cronenberg once said, "An Artist is bound to explore every aspect of human experience, the darkest corners - not necessarily - but if that is where one is lead, that's where one must go." And it's in that quote that I'm often reminded of the way in which a true artist tells a story and lets their audience do the analysing.
Comments
Post a Comment