2019 Ranked
2019 Cinema Visits
Directors Ranked: Todd Phillips

Film #5 of my Chain Reaction Challenge

Wow...

I'll start by saying, for the people that didn't like this...I get it. I do. It's very slow burn. It's very derivative, particularly borrowing from Scorsese. Then of course, there is the controversy. I'm not one to get involved in politics or anything like that but I'll say this; from all of the shit I heard before seeing this today about how "this movie will make people do shit" etc etc, I was expecting much worse. This isn't as violent as Taxi Driver. It's not even as violent as John Wick, or Deadpool, or probably hundreds of other movies.

As for the film itself, you have to start with the performance of Joaquin Phoenix. I haven't seen that many 2019 releases but he has to be in the running for Best Actor, surely. For me, I'd say it's my favourite acting performance I've seen this year, hands down. The rest of the cast do really well as well, especially a seemingly motivated De Niro with his fake teeth.

I also have to colour myself surprised that the director of three Hangover films directed this. There is some truly stunning camerawork on display here. There is the shot where he opens the door to the other persons apartment after being in the rain (if you've seen the film, you know the one) and the shot that it gets left on for just a moment longer than needed is haunting, but strangely beautiful in a way. If I had to nitpick, I'd say there may be a couple of pacing issues in the first act but I'm balls-deep with my Batman (and his universe) love that I didn't give a fuck. I bought all the way in.

The score and soundtrack are also fantastic. The only thing that probably lets Phillips down is the writing and I only say that because he borrowed so much from Taxi Driver and King of Comedy.

Overall, this is a fantastic film and I am hoping to see it again in cinemas before it goes away and I will definitely be adding it to my blu ray collection!