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Emeritus
Reviews 172
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Last Active 01-01-70 12:00 am
Joined 01-01-70
Review Comments 21,030
| Mars Discusses: In Bruges
I'm just gonna nerd out a bit about a movie I really enjoy. In Bruges is solidly within my Top 5 and worthy of a chance from any appreciator of film. Obviously, I'm no media student or professional by any means, so what follows is just a series of brief thoughts I have regarding it. Probably a waste of time, but eh, feels good to just write out your thoughts and feelings sometimes. | | 1 |  | Carter Burwell
In Bruges
I initially viewed the movie with a friend under the assumption that it was a comedy. While the film certainly has its comedic moments, they are not so numerous so as to make the movie all about them. They are interspersed within a story full of drama, but also not to the point where it dominates the run time. The viewer is ultimately left with a mix of genres; thus, you can have a good laugh while simultaneously having something to ponder about when the credits role. | | 2 | | Carter Burwell
In Bruges
The first, most glaring part about In Bruges is the strong symbolism of religion and morality. To begin with, the setting, Bruges ("It's in Belgium), is one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in Europe. This ranges not only from the architectural style, but to the planning of the buildings and streets as well. In essence, this renders it a city frozen in time--coincidentally, a time full of strong religious overtones. The whole idea of a static, unchanging domain functions very well as a backdrop for Purgatory: the domain where one awaits for judgement from God. In the movie, the two main characters--Dublin hitmen Ray and Ken--are forced to stay in Bruges and await to hear word from their boss, a higher power to them. They essentially stay here until their 'judgement' arrives, deciding their fate. | | 3 | | Carter Burwell
In Bruges
Featuring paintings from very religious artists such as Bosch and displaying old medieval churches further cements the religious ideas. In later scenes, aspects of Bosch's own paintings come to life as the point of possible redemption draws nearer. Running side-by-side with this is the idea of one's personal morals and how willing you are to stick by them. As the film's conclusion demonstrates, perhaps sticking to a binding code is more damaging than beneficial. | | 4 | | Carter Burwell
In Bruges
What personally makes this movie such a great watch, however, is how it is very un-Hollywood-ized. Nothing in the story is ideal--there is no heroic save, no salvation, and no conclusive ending. In fact, In Bruges is left ambiguous in terms of how it all wraps up in the end. Although the original script details the original idea for the ending, the final product excludes this, leaving the ultimate epilogue up to the viewer's decision. | | 5 | | Carter Burwell
In Bruges
The plot moves in such an organic way where nothing feels forced; instead, things happen as a direct result of the actions of the characters and nothing else. When all involved parties collide in the finale, it's so incredibly satisfying and tense for the audience, all thanks to how natural the tale progressed. You cared about the characters despite the outwardly villainous professions and were drawn in by the story they inhabited. It's well-directed, well-shot, well-written, and well-acted. The symbolism acts as a perfect supplement and not a contrived device. I recommend it to anyone who hasn't seen it, as I believe it offers enough so that anyone can really enjoy it somehow. | |
MarsKid
10.09.17 | When you're bored and just kinda make a random list o/ | AffableMartyr
10.10.17 | saw it a year ago, decent movie but wasn't amazing, just watched I am Sam movie was pretty great | MarsKid
10.10.17 | It surprised me, I wasn't a huge huge fan after the first watch but I was definitely hooked after the second. It offers a lot more than I first thought. Also Ray Fiennes is so good | verdant
10.10.17 | YOU'RE AN INANIMATE FUCKING OBJECT | Astral Abortis
10.10.17 | Classic film | Astral Abortis
10.10.17 | I don’t care about figuring out any “metaphors” or “hidden meanings” in films because I think all that stuff is just complete crap, but nice list nonetheless. | MarsKid
10.10.17 | I think it's fun to delve into the depths of the story, provided that its innards are intriguing and not forced. Symbolism can be a pain when it feels like it's being imposed on you by the creator, but when it is insert into a plot like this I believe it naturally adds a beneficial factor to the story. | tacos n stuff
10.10.17 | really enjoyed the film, nice to see it get some sput love ^_^ | Astral Abortis
10.10.17 | I like the way John Carpenter put it in an interview way back when, "There are two kinds of science fiction film, one is Lobster Men from Mars, and one is socio-religious films or books and novels. I prefer the first - Lobster Men from Mars. Just my person preference. What I hate worse than anything else is pretension in any form. Somebody who is pretentious and is delivering a message. Because I don't think film is at all intellectual, it's all feelings. People laughing, crying, screaming, etc." | porcupinetheater
10.10.17 | Good ass flick, if you haven't seen his short Six Shooter it's just as rad | Kalopsia
10.10.17 | movie is in my top 10 of all time for sure | MarsKid
10.10.17 | I don't think something delivering a message or meaning is inherently pretentious, that's a mighty claim. | Astral Abortis
10.10.17 | Depends on how it approaches the issues. i.e. They Live vs In Bruges.
They Live is on-the-nose with any and all meaning, then (supposedly) In Bruges indirectly has this subtext allegory that you suggest. I just don’t like the idea that a film might expect the viewer to analyse it for meaning or metaphor when it would be more effective and simpler to just show us your story. | MarsKid
10.10.17 | You're not necessarily expected to analyze it, I just chose to. It's an enjoyable film with or without the addition of symbolism. | Futures
10.10.17 | gonna check this before three billboards comes out | Astral Abortis
10.10.17 | Agreed, I love In Bruges and never felt any need to analyse or find deeper meaning with, I was just using an example you’d understand. If I were to use a more appropriate example I’d use The Shining or that new film Mother! | MarsKid
10.10.17 | I gotchu my man | Demon of the Fall
10.10.17 | Seen this twice, really enjoyed it & I'm not a huge film geek/didn't bother analysing it so I understand your point about it having something anyone can enjoy.
I'm not sure why because occasionally I enjoy films with a little depth, stuff that can make you think but 95% of the time I just can't be bothered anymore, like it's too much effort. Lazy. | MarsKid
10.10.17 | Understandable, analyzing takes some cognitive effort | neekafat
10.10.17 | Movie blew me away, need to see it again | MarsKid
10.10.17 | They're filmin' midgets! | neekafat
10.10.17 | I just remember the climax being ungodly funny | MarsKid
10.10.17 | Oh yeah the 'shootout' scene is hilarious lol | neekafat
12.29.18 | rewatched awhile ago, this is a masterpiece of a film | MarsKid
12.29.18 | Not a bump I expected but yeah, this is one of my all-time favorites. | Rowan5215
12.29.18 | the first one-take phone call between Ken and Harry is one of my favourite scenes ever. Gleeson is the master | MarsKid
12.29.18 | One of those movies that can really make you feel and is also incredibly quote worthy. |
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