Rian Johnson's Brick, Movie Review
Brick is Required Viewing for Anyone who Enjoys Offbeat Humour
Reminiscent of 1950’s noir, Brick, Rian Johnson's debut directorial project is a darkly humorous juxtaposition of two worlds. Cleverly constructed, Brick contains a plot and dialogue familiar to film noir fans, however the setting, a small town American high-school, allows for experimentation and darkly comic scenes.
Brendan Frye, (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), is smart, and cool, however he resists the pull of the socialite circles that run the high-school he attends. A call from an ex-girlfriend Emily (de Ravin) removes him from his outsider status as she begs for help and then promptly disappears. Brendan still harbours feelings for Emily and his need to save her from her drug-addiction leads him to search for her. Enlisting the help of his friend, the Brain (O’Leary), he sets out to discover what has happened to her and the people who contributed to her detrimental state. An interesting ally, and an amusing scene, contains Brendan Frye conversing with the Vice-Principal. With dialogue containing the characteristics of film noir, the impression is created that Frye is a private-eye, and the Vice-Principal is akin to a police chief.
As is typical of noir, smoking plays an integral part in the role of the femme fatale. This role is reprised by Nora Zehetner, who plays Laura, in a solid performance with limited imagination but important as a counterpart to Brendan Frye.
An Artistic and Original Interpretation of an Old Idea
Brick is an intelligent film. Filmed on a small budget and with limited effects Rian Johnson has created an artistic, original, interpretation of a used idea. The high school element plays a small role in this film, however at times it takes precedent and creates surreal moments. The caricature of a crime lord, the Pin (Haas), lives with his mother reminding the audience of his young age. The script is the selling point for this film as it is well constructed, displays the underlying resourcefulness of the plot, and makes enjoyable listening.
Brick is Required Viewing for Anyone Who Enjoys Offbeat Humour
Not an incredibly versatile film or one that will appeal to a large demographic, Brick is slick and cool, but the localised high-school setting is limited in scope. The convoluted plot is at times hard to understand, but the acting is solid and Joseph Gordon-Levitts dialogue guides us safely to the dénouement with flair and ingenuity.
Brick is stylish and darkly comic. The adult world of crime, drugs, and violence is cleverly transposed to a high school creating a beautifully strange teen movie. This unique concept allows for experimentation in almost every area. The camera work mirrors the dialogue in that it is quick, fast, and is impressive.
A bravely stylised murder-mystery with all the important elements that befit a film noir, Brick is necessary viewing for anyone who enjoys off-beat entertainment.
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