The crime genre has become a popular one over the years and it is certainly a breath of fresh air to have a period crime drama set in prohibition America which is what Ben Affleck's fourth time in the directors chair brings us. We are quickly introduced to the movies lead character Joe Coughlin (Affleck), an outlaw in 1920s Boston who is set on a revenge story after a tragedy but then seeks power and control. Live By Night is different to other crime films we have most commonly seen in that it takes us on a journey of morality as Joe is faced with more choices and leaves us anxiously waiting to see the choices he'll make or the outcome of the choices he's made. Affleck's performance could be one of his deepest yet as we can read the expressions of reluctance and guilt on his face as his character Joe is forced to make a choice against his morals. The cast as a whole are flawless with their performances bringing the supporting characters a powerful presence to the foreground of the viewer. That said, it's not the acting alone that helps these characters but Affleck's script as it contains organic dialogue and allows some great back and forth between characters which could deliver sharp wit or a swift insult.
The story is nothing we haven't seen before although the morality is a key aspect and creates a new dynamic to the genre and keeps you wanting good to come Joe's (Affleck) way. I don't know with how this film tackles racism was intended to appear as a political statement but it was definitely a positive touch and earned it some bonus points. Regrettably with all the positives this film holds from sublime aesthetics in the costumes and sets to the depth of characters, the film just lacks a sense of charm. This film is not going to be for everybody but if you enjoy films like John Hillcoat's Lawless from 2012 or Sergio Leone's Once Upon a Time in America from 1984 then you will enjoy this. Mr. Cynic is rating this a 7/10
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Welcome CynicsI am to remain anonymous and will be known as Mr Cynic. Want to know more about me, check out the About page. Categories
All
Archives
March 2018
|