I had absolutely no knowledge or expectations for this film
before watching it and I think this probably augmented the shock that came with
its viewing.
To sum it up in one word, I’d say this film is
unsuspecting. The characters, plot and
action are all totally plausible and the realist style lulls you into a sense
of suspended disbelief which makes the impending violence all the more
shocking. When I say violence, I don’t
just mean a Hollywood-style orgy of blood and guts everywhere. This isn’t sensationalist torture porn like
the Saw films. Tyrannosaur’s
violence is real and conceivable, like it could actually happen. But it happens when you least expect it and
by those whom you least expect it from.
The resultant effect is a shock that stays with you well after the film
is finished.
The cast are incredible.
Peter Mullan gives authenticity to a character so filled with rage it
would seem impossible for people like him to really exist. Eddie Marsan is one of the most provocative villains
I’ve ever seen on screen and Olivia Colman’s performance immediately tricks you
into forgetting what Peep Show is, much less remembering that she was in it.
I left this film thinking Paddy Considine HAS to make more
films. The direction if faultless – it has
the same oppressive grey landscapes as you would expect from any social realist
film and focusses more on faces, expressions and economic storytelling than superficial
flare. His writing is top notch
too. He has a way of clearly
highlighting the issues and themes (domestic abuse, anger, lust and love) and
presenting them in a fresh, engaging, inspiring and shocking form.
Tyrannosaur is a damn good film but it’s not enjoyable in the conventional sense of
the word. It’s affecting more than anything. You're moved, frightened and shaken by the things you see. You physically and emotionally react and this, I think, is what makes a
good film.
No comments:
Post a Comment