Brick

Juicelog Wed 240506: After our meal ten of us went to watch Rian Johnson’s Brick. Only eight of us stayed for the entirety of the film (David M. and Paul C. left halfway through the flick). This is not the easiest of films to watch even though the basic premise is about Brendan (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who goes in search of the death of his ex-girlfriend whilst solving the mystery of his high school drugs ring.

A deliberately complex and twisty plot that weaves in and out of this intricate web of deceit. All the elements are here. You have the femme fetale. You have the evil villain and his hot headed crew. You have the fancy film noir dialogue. Some of the dialogue contains some well scripted lines even though there are moments when you’re not sure what they’re specifically talking due to anachronistic slang. The film tries to address adult themes whilst being played by teenagers with only one adult authority (played by the vice principal).

All in all I felt like the whole thing didn't work for me. It feels as though the film at times tries too hard and ends up being contrived rather than taking us into that noir expressionism.

Humourous moments can be found in this stylishly produced flick when we discover that the Pin still lives with his mum and the high school drama queen’s lap dog. More of a limp experimental Bugsy Malone than Donnie Darko noir homage.