With his sophomore effort, Rian Johnson delivers a completely different genre of film when compared to 2005’s “Brick.” With their clever comedic style and pinpoint delivery, we find ourselves wanting to know more about “The Brothers Bloom.”
It all begins in a park filled with young children. The younger of the two brothers simply known as Bloom (Adrien Brody), becomes infatuated with a girl but finds that he can not bring himself to speak to her. His older brother Stephen (Mark Ruffalo) sees his younger sibling struggle and devises a plan that will not only help Bloom get the girl, but put money in his pocket as well.
As they grow up they become more and more infamous as a pair of con-men brothers who are living their lives as if it was the story of a classic novel. When Bloom realizes all the women he has met in life are only interested in the character he puts on rather than his true persona, he explains to Stephen he can no longer participate in their cons and walks off into the distance. However, it’s just not that simple, and when Stephen comes clamoring back with one final job that involves the very rich and very lonely Penelope Stamp (Rachel Weisz), Bloom can’t help but involve himself once again. As a rule they never con women, but as Bloom becomes quite keen to her, he forgets the guidelines and makes his move, only to find himself falling in love with the subject.
When I saw “Brick” for the first time, I admit that I was not very fond of it — or maybe I was just confused. But as I watched it a second and even a third time, I found myself enjoying the film very much. Rian Johnson has a very unique and original style. His combination of retro vision clashed together with the modern day world is very refreshing. His dialogue is as sharp as a samurai sword and so confident it would be a sin to disagree with it.
With veteran actors like Brody and Ruffalo, I’m sure Johnson had an easy time getting what he wanted for the characters but the performance that stood out to me was that of Rachel Weisz. She portrays a woman with a clear social awkwardness that we have not seen before. Every time you think she is completely normal, she subtly smacks us in the face for thinking so. Her ability to make a mature woman seem like a giddy school girl with a taste for mischievous adventure was entertaining and very well done.
I started out excited to see “The Brothers Bloom” and ended up excited that I saw it. I was very pleased with every aspect of the film. If I made it out to sound clear cut, forgive me, because its far from that and after the credits roll, you’ll find yourself discussing what may or may not have happened during the conclusion.