FILM | Reviews 64 THE LIST 13 Jun–11 Jul 2013
ROMANCE BEFORE MIDNIGHT (15) 108 min ●●●●●
Since his breakthough feature Slacker in 1991, writer/director Richard Linklater’s career has been peppered by interesting work (A Scanner Darkly, Me and Orson Welles, Bernie) that, with the exception of his Jack Black vehicle School of Rock, has failed to make much impression on the box office. But within his arthouse fan base, Linklater’s work commands considerable respect, and his greatest achievement is the Before Sunset/Sunrise/Midnight sequence, a triptych which ranks alongside the greatest cinematic romances. The backstory is essential here. 1995’s Before Sunrise saw
Jesse (Ethan Hawke) enjoy a chance meeting with Celine (Julie Delpy) while on vacation; after persuading her to get off the train with him in Vienna, the two spent a dreamy night together before going their separate ways. In 2004’s Before Sunset, the two met up again in Paris, and bonded over their shared reminiscence of what might have been, and the very different directions that their lives have taken. In both films, Linklater makes use of unshowy direction and natural improvisation from his leads (who both get co-writing credits), creating a remarkably unforced picture of love kindled and rekindled. Before Midnight returns to Jesse and Celine’s story nearly two decades after their initial meeting, catching up with the couple on vacation with their twin daughters. Like the previous films, Before Midnight is a leisurely, deliberately slight talkfest as the two adjust their expectations and attempt to recapture their romance, now seen through the prism of parenthood.
A unique cinematic experiment, Linklater’s trilogy of films may not yet constitute the last word about Celine and Jesse’s relationship, but they add up to one of cinema’s most exact, quietly perceptive and deeply profound meditations on the nature of love. (Eddie Harrison) ■ Limited release from Fri 21 Jun. See interview, page ??.
HEIST NOW YOU SEE ME (12A) 116min ●●●●●
There’s an obvious reason why magic tricks are perfect for live television and theatre shows, and not for films; editing and special effects create too much potential for cinematic mischief, stopping audiences from believing in the illusions. Now You See Me, however, is more of a heist movie with magical trappings, and makes up in razzle-dazzle what it lacks in intelligence. After being introduced exercising their unique powers individually, the action shifts to a
year later in Las Vegas, where four entertainers calling themselves The Four Horsemen (Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher and Dave Franco) mesmerize an audience by appearing to liberate money within the vault of a Parisian bank. The next morning, the magicians are questioned by FBI detective Dylan Rhodes (Mark Ruffalo). Rhodes enlists the help of Interpol’s Alma Dray (Mélanie Laurent) and magician Thaddeus Bradley (Morgan Freeman) to take down The Four Horsemen Louis Leterrier's previous achievements include The Incredible Hulk and the Clash of The Titans
remake. Now You See Me is a considerable improvement on both, but suffers from overblown visuals, an intrusive score and a lack of tight focus. Still, a summer movie not about superheroes is to be welcomed, even if Now You See Me offers the mindless showmanship of a David Copperfield, rather than a real master like Ricky Jay. (Eddie Harrison) ■ General release from Wed 3 Jul.
DRAMA THE EAST (15) 116min ●●●●●
Director Zal Batmanglij follows his so-so cult-based thriller Sound of My Voice with another moody into-the-lion’s-den story, co-written once again with star Brit Marling. This time the pair make their focus eco-activism. Marling plays Sarah Moss, a former FBI agent now working for private intelligence firm Hiller
Brood. A woman of initiative and determination, she’s sent by her ruthless boss Sharon (Patricia Clarkson) to infiltrate a small band of perceived eco-terrorists known as The East, a group who enact crimes of retribution against reckless corporations. They’re led by the brooding Benji (Alexander Skarsgård) with members Izzy (Ellen Page) and resident medic Doc (Toby Kebbell). Batmanglij’s direction is for the most part fluid and assured and The East is often provocative
and passionate, yet squeezing the subject matter into the mould of a thriller sometimes results in a rushed, heavy-handed approach to the themes. It’s largely well cast and Page in particular finds moments to shine, but – despite disclosing individual motivations – the writers never quite get under the skin of these characters, or fully to grips with the complexity of the situation. The East asks, in the end quite literally, what kind of person would do a job like Sarah’s? Fatally, it fails to deliver a satisfactory answer. (Emma Simmonds) ■ EIFF, Cineworld, Thu 20 June & Sun 23 Jun. Limited release from Fri 28 Jun.