Flash Point Nancy Kress
Joseph Gordon-Levitt and writer/director Rian Johnson proved to be the perfect pair with 2005's BRICK. They're back together again in LOOPER, the story of a hitman who kills people sent back in time from the future. Joe's got a good life: drugs, babes, money. Of course, this lifestyle comes with a catch: one day, the person you're supposed to kill turns out to be your future self. This means you get to live out your remaining years (roughly 30) doing whatever you so desire. Of course, in Joe's case, things don't go according to plan; his future self escapes, on a mission to prevent the death of his wife, and now both Joes find themselves being pursued by ruthless killers.
LOOPER is stunning. Visually, it's a treat; the effects are impressive, the cinematography astounding. The action is slick and the dialogue is quick and intelligent, just what we'd expect from a Rian Johnson script. Perhaps the biggest surprise here (well, for non-Johnson fans, at least) is the caliber of acting. The supporting cast is impressive: Emily Blunt, Noah Segan, Garrett Dillahunt, and child actor Pierce Gagnon all shine, while Jeff Daniels and Paul Dano are especially memorable. Bruce Willis brings gravitas to the role of future Joe; he doesn't say much, but as with his best performances, he's able to convey quite a lot with his piercing gaze. Older Joe is a complex character, and Willis is able to play his single-minded obsession to commit atrocious deeds for sympathetic reasons.
But this is Gordon-Levitt's film. Sure, he has prosthetics to make him resemble Willis; but more to the point, much as Josh Brolin did a la Tommy Lee Jones for MEN IN BLACK 3, Gordon-Levitt has studied Willis's mannerisms and voice, coming off as a truly convincing younger version of the actor. And yet, the role isn't mere imitation; Gordon-Levitt proves why he's considered one of the best rising actors out there right now, bringing a haunting sense of pathos (not to mention cojones) to his role. Thanks to his performance, and Rian Johnson's script, LOOPER comes off as one of the most unique, memorable science fiction/action films in years. It'll go down as a cult classic, and maybe one day, simply a classic example of the genre.
It's so hard to find good young adult science fiction. There's lots of fantasy--and some might consider this novel fantasy, too--but it feels like sf to me, with solid worldbuilding, good near-future tech, a believable and very human young protagonist, and a great set-up. I fully expected it to be beautifully written, because it is, after all, Nancy Kress. It's also a compelling story, with plenty of action and character development, and every step of the story is fun. Nothing wrong with having fun!
BalasHapusI'll be recommending this to all younger readers and lots of older ones, too. Excellent read!
BalasHapus