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Brick

Powerful storytelling, evocative dialogue and a truly engaging and talented cast; it would seem as though Brick has it all. And, it does. A detective story of sorts, mixed with the awkward and complex social dynamics of high school, Brick mixes both of these seemingly disparate storytelling conventions and compiles something wholly original. Some may liken this film to simply a high-school drama or noir thriller, but that would be unfair. The film is simply more than that. Its cast alone pulls off delightful acting as the screenplay is so layered and amazingly written only the most talented could pull it off with the desired effect. The film feels and moves like a '40s detective film, but the strange thing is that Brick actually is one. The key to the film working is the anachronism of the personalities and vernacular of its main characters. The juxtaposition of what the audience sees and hears sets forth a brilliant, humorous and thought provoking story that will thrill fans of the genre.

Writer/director Rian Johnson obviously understands the films to which he is paying homage. If this were not the case, then the humor would be derived from the way the actors portrayed their respective characters and not in the amazing way those characters come to life. Heading up the cast is Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who as the floppy haired, conflicted protagonist, Brendan, takes to the dialogue and the seedy situations with frightening clarity and ease. Frankly, his performance is so convincing and true to form that some of the shortcomings of others are deftly covered up by the nonchalance and almost cavalier way Gordon-Levitt portrays Brendan, not in the way he carries himself. With Gordon-Levitt’s help, director Johnson is able to utilize his creative and crafty storytelling to the utmost. Not being forced to dumb anything down, Brick feels like it achieves more a proximity to its original design than many other films dare to dream.

Centered on a grim, corrupt and morally absent high school, the film spins its devious little tale while providing the audience the opportunity to become acquainted with its characters as the plot develops. Brendan, after receiving a cryptic and somewhat disconcerting phone call from an ex-girlfriend who soon turns up missing, finds himself on a twisted funhouse ride toward the truth of her disappearance that isn’t completely out of his control. From that moment on, the film careens along its path at nearly breakneck pace that fulfills every necessity of the genre. The Brain (Matt O’Leary), whose insight on all things high school underworld leads Brendan into the lustful arms of too-young-to drink femme fatale, Laura (Nora Zehetner), whose motives are, of course, as questionable as the company she keeps. Rounding out the cast is local drug-dealing legend, Lukas Haas as The Pin and the brute he keeps on his hip, Tug (Noah Fleiss). Everyone pulls off their roles admirably and creates not only an important aspect to the film, but enduring characters in what is sure to be a cult favorite. The only downside is that some in the cast don’t quite hit the mark and therefore their scenes and occasionally the pace of the film suffer. For instance, Meagan Good’s inability to reliably convey the feeling of the film and her character’s required snake like skin shedding, through a series of quirky costume changes, slows what is an important and vital aspect of the film.

Part The Big Sleep or Out of the Past and part Yojimbo, Brick conjures memories of the great films of a bygone era, while modernizing it and revealing how truly relevant these films and genres still are. Rian Johnson should be credited as one of the most original and talented new filmmakers on the scene today.

The DVD, thankfully stamped out by Universal’s indie branch Focus, comes fully loaded. The 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen fully represents the steely blues and harsh, dim lights of the world of Brick. The 5.1 audio relies on the surround sound and delivers dynamic range and subtle tones not often available in films of this size. A commentary track, chock full of all the people who had a hand in making this gem is both insightful and entertaining. Furthermore, there are over 20 deleted and extended scenes as well as a featurette on how the roles were cast. A brilliant film and complete DVD, Brick is not only a must see, but deserving of a place on your DVD shelf.

Written by: Kevin Yeoman

Reviewers Rating: 9.5
Reader's Rating: 10.00
Reader's Votes: 2

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