Movie Review ... Trance

 

Type-casting not only occurs to actors but also directors.  Some who have delivered block-buster success have been pigeon-holed to certain genres with few allowed to diversify.  British director Danny Boyle has never been affected by this.  Exploring zombies, drug use and life in other cultures, his work has shown his refusal to be creatively trapped.  ‘Trance’ highlights his differing directorial palette whilst maintaining the gritty qualities making him a much admired film-maker.

Simon (James McAvoy) is part of a criminal gang stealing works of art.  After a daring heist, an accident robs him of his memory.  Failing to recall the location of a valuable painting, he goes to hypnotherapist Elizabeth (Rosario Dawson).  Hoping to remember where it is, Simon’s task is made harder with the presence of his shady colleagues including Franck (Vincent Cassel).  Demanding to know where it is, Franck’s threats become the only real aspect of Simon’s increasingly surreal existence.

‘Trance’ is an effective twist-driven thriller with enough red herrings to stump viewers.  As Simon becomes lost between his real and imagined worlds, the element of surprise is constant.  The plot commands attention with Boyle gleefully layering the deceit and double-cross.  Occasionally he goes too far with some strands becoming muddled although the performances are consistently arresting.  The actors make this brisk guessing-game enjoyable with the outcome not always certain.

The way it’s shot also makes ‘Trance’ stand-out.  It’s easy accepting Simon’s confusion of reality due to the striking cinematography.  It moves shadows and colours with lightning speed which aid the ongoing tense atmosphere.  This adds to the stark intensity of the brutal world in which the characters reside as violence increasingly becomes their mode of communication. 

Fans of engaging thrillers should enjoy ‘Trance’.  It certainly keeps you on your toes with its game of wondering how events will conclude a puzzle most would be happy to solve.

Movie Review Rating out of 10:  7

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

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