THE PROPOSITION (2005) **1/2 There aren't many practitioners of rock 'n' roll, late in the first decade of the 21st century, capable of.who have successfully demonstrated their ability to make a truly great rock and roll album during the decade. Nick Cave is one of a very few, and so it concerns me that anything should distract him from further such activities. Of course he has plenty of room to exorcise his varied and myriad musical talents here-just not for long at a time. I have to say that he acquits himself with honours on all accounts, and if you're looking for someone to provide that Aliian punch to accompany 35 seconds of action flick he's probably your first round draft choice. The screenplay he penned is brutal, just a brutal (think Goodfellas , but ill-humoured and you're in the right neighborhood) Australian cowboy flick in which no one ever had any hope of redemption. Meaningful redemption, hopeful uplifting redemption, whatever..there aren't a lot of ways that this fact situation is going to play out. Which is different than saying that it's boring or that there are no surprises. It's very well done, and there are plenty enough surprises within the framework of doom. It almost distracts-and if so you're grateful-that John Hillcoat has one of those cinematic eyes, and the occasional shot on the perfect location is so stunning that you can't help admiring it for that, instead of remaining engrossed in the gross. It's not so brilliantly done that it leaves you vomiting and no hope at all for anything, and I'm grateful for that.
back to Brilliant Observations on 2120 Films page, or Index
go back home, or send me email
Reviews won't do it any more! I need sustained brilliance! I want to buy your novel!