The Town

  • 2010-11-03
  • By Michael Litvinsky

Director: Ben Affleck

Despite the fact that the second film of Ben Affleck as a director, differs from his directorial debut in “Gone, Baby, Gone” in so many ways, it clearly shows us that Affleck-director has a lot of potential. Of course, two films are not much to gain some significant director experience, but Affleck was able to apply his great acting skills to the creation of the movie.
What at first looks like a simple crime drama, “The Town” turns out to have much more focus on the nature of the crime and not on the action. The motives, the causes that forced the characters to lead such a life play a crucial role, in comparison with all the shooting a viewer might have seen in the trailer. Still, it does not make the movie static or boring and healthy dynamic is kept through all the length of the movie.

Of course, someone might notice the similarities with other popular or recently released crime movies, for example “The Heat” or “Public Enemies” both directed by Michael Mann or several movies by John Woo, the movie might even remind you of some of Martin Scorsese’s early pictures, and it all will be true. The stylistics in crime movies did not change a lot over the last 20 years. Still, it is also an art to place a quote of a world famous director, so that it would look natural in your own movie.

What concerns the acting, it is hard not to notice the great performance of Jon Hamm, who was able to keep distant from his character from “Mad Men,” yet keep his usual vibe and charisma. And, of course, Jeremy Renner, who is really exploring the horizons of various acting techniques after his magnificent job in “The Hurt Locker.” Filled with other tremendous actors in smaller supporting roles, “The Town” gives us the full retrospective of different characters, which makes it even more fun to watch. Surely Ben Affleck, who not only directed the movie, but also played the main part in it, looked pretty solid, but it was easy to tell that directing a movie and acting in it doesn’t come easy. So, even if you are not a big fan of crime movies, try not to look at “The Town” as one. Try to feel the characters and it will be easier for you to apperceive the film. 


Now showing in all three countries.

 
 

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