esrosedotblog

Today's film is really two films folded into one. Derek Cianfrance's

The Place Beyond the Pines (2012)

The first with Ryan Gosling as a hard ass biker trying to make a living as a trick rider, then a bank bandit, is a study in single minded purpose turned to an inevitably tragic end.

The second, with Bradley Cooper shows a man similarly obsessed but on the side of the law. No less driven, less tragic end but I don't want to tip it.

There is a link between them. Events and people.

It is a long slow buildup twice. The film is very risky I think and it does come off OK with me although it was slipping out of my hands or out of Cianfrance's as he tries to draw quite a few loose ends together.

There are the two stars and two sons. The sons play out some version of what went before.

It is pretty good if complex.

I am not sure I would want to be in Schenectady where it takes place. Pretty quiet town where one can get into a lot of trouble without trying.

The title is confusing. I don't know where that place is although there is a crucial scene in the woods. Twice. I didn't quite get it. Not necessary. Just one of those loose ends that may have gotten away.

I enjoyed the whole thing. I think that once is enough but if I had to watch it again it would be with some pleasure at watching the two male stars carry out really tough anti-hero roles successfully.

A 4 out of Netflix5.

Labels: films