Brick (2005)

First of all, if you have not seen this movie, shame on you. I have been a fan of this movie ever since I saw it a few years ago at a close friend of mines house (on a whim actually). Needless to say I was blown away by how clean and original the overall production was. I actually managed to pick it up for three dollars a few days ago (probably the greatest deal I have ever found) and it still holds onto every strand of amazement it entangled me in almost three years ago.

The thing that seperates this film from everything else that I saw that year is how smart of a movie this is. For one, the American noir film has truly been a neglected genre in the last couple decades (a hit every couple of years or so) and it is always good seeing a fresh take on it. For those who are clueless as to what "noir" is then perhaps you should take this time to watch a few of the hardboiled classic films (the old Bogart pictures are a good place to start). They usually involve some kind of murder and some kind of detective investigating and there is always a femme fatale. How this movie approaches this style of film is by having the entire script ripped right from a classic detective movie and submerges it in the world of a contemporary California high school with a hearty helping of the drug culture (but done in a way that almost makes it glamorous).

Joseph Gordon-Levitt (of 3rd Rock from the Sun fame) stars and is practically made for this role. The entire cast suffers from "rather perfect casting" syndrome, and this is something that you will never find in a major motion picture. It is almost sickening how well everyone does portraying a classic type of character in modern times.

Being a noir film, it has a certain way of setting up every shot. There has to be a clear distinction between light and dark, with the use of shadows playing almost as a character themselves. These distinct attributes don't really contrast well in a film with color as they do in a black in white world, but Brick manages to stay true to the world of film noir and yet adding a feeling of being set in modern times (fancy shots and special effects are what set this movie in the present age). I wouldn't say the shots are beautiful as they are stark, precise and show only what you are suppose to see (playing on the power of shadows and low angles).

Being original is what makes this film a true gem, it isn't some big Hollywood blowout or filled with A-class actors who don't put as much emotion into it for what they are getting paid. It knows what it is and it isn't trying to be something far superior. To be honest, it is far better (to me at least) that the neo-noir films being produced for millions of dollars. It is as gritty and dark as noir is suppose to be and it manages to do this with the bare essentials and it will keep you guessing till the very end (a true noir rule indeed). The story is true to what it sets out to do and there is no beating around the bush with unecessary character arcs or pointless plot holes. It may not shine as bright as some big budget films, but I can gurantee the luster will retain longer than most films twice as huge and four times as confusing.

Like I said, I picked this up for three dollars a few days ago (still in its original factory seal and everything) and that is the only bad thing about this movie, is that it has been banished to the discount dollar bin at the local discount store. Do yourself a favor, if you happen to find this movie for such an abysmal price (good for me, but also a disgrace to a fine piece of art, seeing it cost less than a fast food meal) pick it up. With several well deserved accolades under its belt, watching this film will shine a whole new light on the genre great America was once known for.