Monday 25 May 2009

Twatting Bankers



Ah, they don't make films like The International any more. It's an elegant, slow-burn conspiricy thriller that used to be produced by the likes of Alan J Pakula or Sidney Pollack. The movie is adult in tone and doesn't pander to the MTV generation; no steady-cam shots at all, with static shots dominating the movie. Just some long takes on intense actors doing their thing (Clive Owen NEVER blinks!) and some epic, composed shots of international locations like Moroco, Berlin and New York.

There's a scary subtext of banks controlling the world (not too fantasic an idea as money, does indeed, make the world go round, plus an intriguing character arc for star, Owen , regarding the morality of upholding justice. The shoot-out in the Guggenheim museum ranks as one of the best, and most realistic, action sequences of the year.

It's refreshing to have a change of pace. One can imagine a FOX produced, F Gary Gray directed version, 40 minuts shorter with city blocks being demolished at 5 minute intervals. No thanks, I'll get the next one.

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