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November 5, 2009

Benji Tunnell: ‘Brothers’ enjoyable



Life is full of cons. Whether it is that job that just doesn’t turn out the way it was supposed to, the friend who isn’t quite who he claimed to be or the girlfriend who professes undying love while bagging half of the football team on the side, it seems that there’s a seedy side to so many things.

But I think we can all agree that it is far more fun when the con is on someone else. This is what makes “The Brothers Bloom” (now on DVD) such an enjoyable movie, one that cons both the characters and viewers equally well, and in a way that leaves everyone involved amazed and moved at the same time.

Almost an homage to some of the great con movies of the past, such as “The Grifters,” “The Sting” and “The Spanish Prisoner,” the film tells the story of Stephen (Mark Ruffalo) and Bloom (Adrien Brody), two brothers shuffled through the foster system who have to cling to each other to survive.

It is as children that they run their first scam and, realizing they are good at it, they embark on a lifelong odyssey of duping unsuspecting marks out of as much money as possible. Bloom has grown tired of the grind and attempts to escape, but is dragged back in for one last score when he meets Penelope (Rachel Weisz), an eccentric heiress who is seemingly naïve enough to fall for their charms.

The plot is so deftly laid out that I am unable to comment too much for fear of ruining the surprises of the film. Filled with red herrings and double crosses, it never follows the traditional path, and as you think it has resolved itself it branches off in a different direction.

At points, the film is thoroughly confusing, yet in a satisfying way. As Penelope becomes enmeshed in their schemes, the viewer must decide who is playing whom in the increasingly complicated game.

Brody has a return to the acting form that garnered him an Oscar, finally getting back on track with a role that challenges him far more than much of the work he has taken on since “The Pianist.” His Bloom is a conflicted soul, trying to balance the guilt over his lifestyle with his loyalty to his brother.

Ruffalo has been consistent in so many films, and continues to act strongly. His character lives in a world of grays, and even his relationship with his brother is clouded by uncertainty.

Weisz is probably the most surprising in the film. Saddled with such nonsense as “The Mummy” films in the past, she hasn’t truly had the opportunity to shine in a role. However, with Penelope she gets a layered character who is as complicated as the men trying to swindle her.

In the end, I give most of the credit for the quality of this film to writer/director Rian Johnson. His feature film debut, “Brick,” was a modern masterpiece of film noir.

In a screenplay which gives nods both to classic con movies as well as classic literature, as well as in sharp direction, Johnson has again created a small classic of a film.

With “The Brothers Bloom,” you never know what to expect, and even when it’s over you’ll be scratching your head in awe with the way it came together. Take a chance on this easily overlooked film. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.



Rating: 3 1/2 reels

Address correspondence to Benji Tunnell, c/o The Joplin Globe,

P.O. Box 7, Joplin, MO 64802 or benjitunnell@gmail.com.

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