Throwing in my two cents *spoilers*
*walks through the internet alley* The internet... a place full of mystery, wonder, and criminals up the wazoo. Amongst it all is the argument of movies. Whether it be bombs dropping in space, or someone doing a bad review of "Pink Floyd The Wall", not all movies get this treatment. *looks up at the poster.* How could you have even existed?
Pro/iffy:
Acting- The acting is front loaded with amazing work all around. They're all strong but don't really give this film an ensemble vibe.
Screenplay- Even though this is a Norton vanity project, his screenplay here is actually pretty decent. It flows nicely, and has some good dialogue... "some".
cinematography- The cinematography has some interesting work contrasting with the green tint of the movie, of doesn't really stand above anything.
Cons:
Direction- I'm not saying Edward Norton shouldn't direct a movie, i'm saying Edward Norton shouldn't direct this movie. The whole noir style is amazing, and when done correctly, can add a lot to the movie watching experience. On the other hand, you get this movie. I feel like someone like Guy Ritchie, or Zack Snyder should have handled this, because their styles match the noir genre really well. Norton could handle something like "Glengarry Glen Ross", because this movie is shot like that.
Introduction of Baldwin- Good idea, badly executed. We never see Baldwin's face until a few moments later. You think it'd be an interesting place. NOPE! The camera follows him for a good long while, then we finally see his face in a profile shot far away from the camera. It was a strange choice to do well, and lead up to my favorite line of this movie, "Now gimme." I need that as a ringtone. Honestly, we should have seen his face right when he doesn't shake the mayor's hand.
All in all, the movie just doesn't work well in how it could have been. Norton had some good ideas, but it didn't really come to life on screen in the best ways possible.
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