MovieChat Forums > We Own the Night (2007) Discussion > Strange, Doomy Atmosphere

Strange, Doomy Atmosphere

posted 14 years ago by www.wedd
5 replies | jump to latest

SPOILERS

I felt, when I watched this, that the Joaquin Phoenix's character's eventual enrolment in the police force seemed to be presented in a doomy, tragic manner, as if he was falling victim to a conspiracy, or becoming involved in something that he should keep well away from. The music seemed to underline this feeling to me, as well as the tone of the movie becoming more and more somber. I thought this was a very unusual attitude, yet have not seen any of this touched upon in any professional review. I wondered if anyone else had felt this?

[–] irishaspaddyspig 14 years ago

James Gray loves a Tragedy.
He takes care in choosing music to reflect that.

"a malcontent who knows how to spell"

[–] www.wedd 14 years ago

Yeah, but why do you think that Phoenix's recruitment into the police seems to play as a tragedy? In most movies it would be a triumphant thing.

[–] irishaspaddyspig 14 years ago

Yes, I do.
He joined the force to be with his brother and his brother was moving on.
He lost the woman he loved.
He felt his father died because of him.
He was, essentially, alone and in the last job he would have chosen under other circumstances.

"a malcontent who knows how to spell"

[–] shroomn 14 years ago

irish nailed it. it's pretty clear from the opening scenes that bobby had it ALL. He even says he could die a happy man that moment in the first opening sequence.

The end scene is due to becoming a victim of his own circumstances and blood ties.

Of course- all of it is very very implausible from the middle point on. The whole "becoming" a cop that quickly stretched itself out, but still delivers. Good movie

[–] sergio_lv13 14 years ago

Wow, irish and shroomn, I think you both are more than correct. I love how you put it shroomn when you said that the end scene is due to "becoming a victim of his own circumstances and blood ties".

Let's not forget that this is a man (Bobby) who lived the life he wanted to. He never allowed himself to be bullied into joining the police department. Unlike his brother (who envies him for it) he never really took his father's advice to heart and join the police. On the contrary, he decided to be free so to speak.

When he is graduating at the end of the movie, it is certainly NOT a joyous occasion for him at all. First of all, he never even wanted to be a cop anyway. The circumstances played in such a way that led him to become one but it never would have been his choice. Second of all, by graduating he is also ending his long-term relationship with Amada who could have been the love of his life. Why does he do all of this? I think he does it out of guilt. Because on some level he feels responsible for what happened to his dad. Moreover, he thinks leading a life of service as a cop would make him proud.