MovieChat Forums > The Two Faces of January (2014) Discussion > This film was a breath of fresh air!

This film was a breath of fresh air!

posted 10 years ago by spaceman88
11 replies | jump to latest

It is so nice to watch a movie that relies on the characters and story, and no explosions and big special effects.
And it looked stunning, the cinematography, colour grading, music, acting, pacing.
It felt like a classic thriller, with class and modesty. I would love to rewatch it in black and white, it would probably look as good.

I've read that Hosseini was quite an agressive perfectionist on the set, but I have to applaud him for his directorial debut! Shame these kind of movies make no money, while films with zero cinematic value bring the masses in the theatre.

[–] mformoviesandmore 10 years ago

Definitely a movie for a mature audience.

No sex, CGI or unwarranted characters. I can see how most people raised on modern movies would struggle with this offering - and why we should be so thankful that ones like this still make it to the screen.

[–] Joker-26 10 years ago

Totally agree. Thoroughly enjoyed it and I gave it a high rating. The atmosphere of the film was tense throughout, full of little twists and turns. Plus it was visually stunning. A film that will probably be more appreciated in years to come. Hard to believe it was a directorial debut. I'm glad that these types of films don't appeal to the Blockbusters & Explosions crowd, cos then I get to sit in a very uncrowded theatre. Like you say though, their box office takings will never be great but let's be thankful there are still producers and studios out there who will finance and create such wonderful work.

[–] francoisxavier35 10 years ago

Exactly, this movie is great. I just watched it and I really loved the directing, the acting and was blown away by the music.
Bravo !!!

[–] MitchellSG-1 10 years ago

Hey, I love a good blockbuster too. I'm in my 20's so I'm in the target demo. A couple of my favorite films this year were Captain America 2 and Guardians of the Galaxy. That said, I grew up watching Hitchcock movies or films based off Tom Clancy or John Grisham novels where even the action was offset by tension and a good story.

I went to the indie cinema with a couple friends last night, including one who loves Hitchcock. We all enjoyed the film, noting that it's not standard fare and it was nice to enjoy a film that has no explosions and only one gunshot.

The film wasn't perfect, but it's still a great send up of old style thrillers.

Question: Rydal claims he slept with Collette. They had the opportunity to do so before their walk. Do you think they did?

[–] burgarman 10 years ago

did Rydal sleep with Collette? that's left to the viewer's interpretation!

[–] katentek 10 years ago

What a breath of fresh air this film is. The IMBD score is sadly low perhaps showing why we keep getting one comic book adaptation after another.

More power to brave film makers who prefer script, characters and subtlety to thoughtless and mind numbing pulp.

[–] venomous-5 10 years ago

Totally agree with you! I found the colors great as well! Even if the plot could have been better, i really enjoyed it. It takes the viewer back to the 60's.

[–] Falconeer 10 years ago

I was absolutely mesmerized by this film..really blown away. i cannot remember the last time i saw such an elegant film as this. Whoever created this movie has such an obvious love for the classics. This is pure, cinematic poetry.

"IMdB; where 14 year olds can act like jaded 40 year old critics...'

[–] spaceman88 10 years ago

I just came back here to recomend another excellent movie I've seen with the very versatile Oscar Isaac, "A Most Violent Year".
If you love the classic elegance and narative of "The Two Face Of January", you'll most like be impressed by that film as well.

[–] spookyrat1 10 years ago

And it looked stunning, the cinematography, colour grading, music, acting, pacing.

Surprised this film did such poor business in America. It must not have had a very wide release, which is a pity. I feel it deserved better.🐭

[–] greenbudgie 8 years ago

It was a treat to watch this traditional type of psychological thriller. I saw it on a slightly edited version suitable for early evening TV.