Films are more often than not told in 3 acts. The beginning, middle, and end. The Place Beyond the Pines is so distinctly built around this narrative structure that each individual act feels as if it’s a film unto itself. Perhaps it should also be critiqued that way.
ACT 1
Ryan Gosling plays Luke Glanton, a daredevil motorbike rider in a travelling circus. Passing through town one year after his first visit, Luke runs into Romina (Eva Mendes) with whom last time he shared a one-night stand. Romina now has a son. No guessing who the father is.
Deciding to ditch the circus life and help raise his son, Luke goes about finding work and money. This leads him to Robin (Australia’s Ben Mendelsohn), a local mechanic with a history in robbing banks. Looking to harness Luke’s riding abilities as the quick getaway, Robin convinces Luke into a couple of quick cash grabs. However it’s the third attempt that has the police hot on Luke’s heels.
Fans of Gosling’s Drive will undoubtedly draw parallels here, not only in character, but also in story. This film will suck you in to Luke’s world very quickly. I admit I was captivated after the first scene. This is thanks to the entrance Gosling is given by director Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine) and cinematographer Sean Bobbitt. They place us directly behind Luke as he goes about his circus life, giving us a compelling look at his nightly routine. Gosling’s undeniable skill at commanding the frame each time he steps in front of the camera will also draw you in.
This first act sets such a great tempo that when it comes to a shocking and sudden halt, you’ll wonder where the film will turn. FADE OUT. 4 stars.
ACT 2
The second act belongs to Bradley Cooper’s Avery character, one of the local law enforcement officers who were hot on the heels of Luke. Avery also has a little boy less than 1 year old, however that’s where the similarities between Avery and Luke end. Avery believes in justice, truth, honour. His father is a state Supreme Court judge, Avery himself has passed the Bar exam.
6 months into his job as a police officer Avery finds that corruption inside the force maybe a bigger problem than two-bit criminals like Luke. Led by a group of moral-less officers (including the always impressive Ray Liota), Avery’s paranoia levels rise with every over-the- shoulder glance.
Besides the slow start to Avery’s story, the pace picks up again and similar to the first act, the story pulls you in. At the end of this second act our anticipation levels peak in hope for an equally impressive climax to follow. FADE OUT. 3 ½ stars.
ACT 3
A large and disappointing short-cut is taken to reach a conclusion to this film. I’m not going to reveal any of the third act because ultimately this will give the story away. I will say however that the writers of this fable use a storytelling technique that will divide audiences. For those of you that gobble it up hook, line and sinker, I am genuinely happy and pleased for you because this film will rank high on your ‘best films of 2013’ list.
As for the rest of us? Let’s just say I didn’t buy it… Coincidences can be used well in stories, but when they are used in a way that leads characters to both a physical and moral destination, it renders a story to be one of convenience. FADE OUT. 3 stars.
In only his second feature, this is a grand and ambitious drama for director Derek Cianfrance. A talent we should all be keeping our eyes on. Gosling and Cooper give career peak performances (I’ve now decided to take Bradley Cooper seriously). The father-son theme which is by and large the crux of this film is explored in a very original and confronting way. Maybe only comparable in its uniqueness to how P.T. Anderson explored the theme in There Will Be Blood.
THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES
Directed by: Derek Cianfrance
Written by: Derek Cianfrance, Ben Coccio & Darius Marder
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendes
Released by: Focus Features