The Place Beyond the Pines
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendes, Ray Liotta
Directed By: Derek Cianfrance
Reviewed by Danielle Muir
[rating: 4/5]
Be warned – this is not a movie to see just to ogle its famous stars. If that’s the reason you buy a ticket, you will be bored, frustrated and disappointed. The Place Beyond The Pines shuns typical filmic structure – and despite being overlong this change definitely proves effective. However the elements that comprise this film seem to indicate its gunning for a non-mainstream audience so keep that in mind.
Director Derek Cianfrance and Cinematographer Sean Babbitt have chosen to shoot this film in a similar vein to Cianfrance’s previous project Blue Valentine (also starring Gosling) – with a gritty and subdued tinge suiting the messy subject matter. The film, not only in the way it is shot but in its story clearly states that this is not a Hollywood film, no matter the cast. You have been warned.
Although the trailer creates the impression that the plot is focussed solely on Gosling, this is not so. Throughout the focus is shifted from Luke, a talented motorbike rider turned bank robber, desiring to provide for his newly discovered son, to Cooper’s Avery, a local police officer who gets in over his head and eventually the sons of the two. Luke’s character is by far the most intriguing, primarily because most of the action (bank robberies, motorcycle stunts) and thrills take place in his story, but Avery also shocks. However, the pace drags amongst the sons. One is painfully irritating, swagging about the place with his African-American accent, the other is timid and meek. Whilst it eventually picks up, I think each segment could be cut down to size in order to prevent the tedium that sets in.
All the performances are spot-on (even the wannabe gangster son, mainly because his character is designed to be loathsome), with Gosling once again his strong and silent persona. But its Cooper here who shines – mainly due to the complex nature of his personality, and the slimy but clever way he rises above the ‘smalltown cop’ status. And Eva Mendes certainly puts on a star-turn as Gosling’s baby mama, proving to virtually be the only constant throughout the runtime.
I’ve skimped on plot details because there are some twists and turns that need to be withheld, as the film hinges on these beats. What I will say is The Place Beyond the Pines reflects a more arthouse style than commercial and that will turn a large audience off. There are some thrills and chills, i.e. when Luke robs his first bank, some breathtaking high-speed motorbike shots and Avery’s cunning moves, but this is a gritty character drama that’s not afraid to blindside, but will probably leave some unsatisfied. Unless you’re like me and into that style of cinema.