During the screening for What Richard did I was transported back in my minds eye to review the trailer for the movie. It featured glowing reviews by Irish critics announcing it to be the most important Irish film of the decade. Some may argue that that is simply a marketing tool to get the cinema-goer to purchase his/her ticket but in reality is it a true statement on the actual film?
Having finished watching the movie I pondered that question. I found myself reviewing the plot/characters and finally the ending and the answer I came up with is no. What Richard did is a well made film with some good cinematography and performances from the principle cast. But somehow I felt there was a missed opportunity that dropped it from being a great movie to simply being OK.
The central Triangle of Richard, Lara and her ex boyfriend for this reviewer just fell short. Perhaps the improvised nature of the performances at times hurt it a little as the actual act of violence when perpetrated felt a little strained and not immediate enough to sustain what follows. In fact you could say it was so brief to be deemed unimportant by Director Abrahamson. Strange as its the selling point of the entire movie and what the audience was waiting to witness 'what Richard did'. This distancing approach failed in that scene to illicite the power necessary to hold together the rest of the film.
Perhaps the biggest flaw seems to be the running time as it felt that the plot didn't quite survive the full length of the movie. some would argue then that It might have been even better as a short movie. The setup itself is not exactly original having been used many times before in other movies.
On a positive note there are some standout performances at times affecting and unsettling. Not quite as good as the critics would have you believe as there are flaws present.
Having finished watching the movie I pondered that question. I found myself reviewing the plot/characters and finally the ending and the answer I came up with is no. What Richard did is a well made film with some good cinematography and performances from the principle cast. But somehow I felt there was a missed opportunity that dropped it from being a great movie to simply being OK.
The central Triangle of Richard, Lara and her ex boyfriend for this reviewer just fell short. Perhaps the improvised nature of the performances at times hurt it a little as the actual act of violence when perpetrated felt a little strained and not immediate enough to sustain what follows. In fact you could say it was so brief to be deemed unimportant by Director Abrahamson. Strange as its the selling point of the entire movie and what the audience was waiting to witness 'what Richard did'. This distancing approach failed in that scene to illicite the power necessary to hold together the rest of the film.
Perhaps the biggest flaw seems to be the running time as it felt that the plot didn't quite survive the full length of the movie. some would argue then that It might have been even better as a short movie. The setup itself is not exactly original having been used many times before in other movies.
On a positive note there are some standout performances at times affecting and unsettling. Not quite as good as the critics would have you believe as there are flaws present.