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Reviews
Jailbait (2004)
Intense, Unnerving Snapshot of a Young Man's Prison Sentence
I have admired Michael Pitt for his excellence as an actor and an artist for almost seven years. His captivating performance as an American student in Paris in Bernardo Bertolucci's erotic, political drama "The Dreamers" (2003) reeled me in, and ever since, I have been rather bewitched by him. Though he is described as commonly portraying troubled, emotionally fractured characters, Pitt's body of work is rich, his performances varied and complex. His performance in Brett C. Leonard's aptly named "Jailbait" (2004) is no different.
In the film, Pitt excels through his understated portrayal of a sensitive young man named Randy, whose third felony results in a twenty-five-year prison sentence. His dialogue is spare, but Pitt compensates for that through a striking ability to convey a broad range of emotions -- sorrow, remorse, relief, fear. His expressiveness brought an added dimension to a character that might have been flat if played by a less competent actor.
Yet, as difficult as I often found it to tear my eyes away from Pitt, it is Stephen Adley Guirgis who truly shines through his portrayal of Randy's erratic cell mate. Without giving away too many details, as Jake, Guirgis is, in a word, unnerving. He brought an element of suspense that I felt transcended the usual portrayals of sociopathic prisoners in film. Though one reviewer suggested that the film is predictable, the tension between Jake and Randy was so palpable and disarming that I could never fully anticipate what would transpire from scene to scene. This tension was strengthened by Leonard's use of muted colors, primarily blue, for the cinematography and a soundtrack so subdued that it integrated seamlessly with dialogue and scene.
With that said, "Jailbait" is not a perfect film. While many films are a bit overdone, with scenes that do little to service or further the story, this one could benefit from some extra 'padding'. But "Jailbait" isn't like most feature-length films. It is less of a story or a memoir than a snapshot. Those who seek a linear plot with a definitive ending won't find it here. And those seeking a stylized prison drama featuring gangs and heavy doses of machismo will be disappointed. But if you're looking for an understated, well-acted independent drama -- or a snapshot of the life of a young man in prison -- look no further than "Jailbait".
Jagten (2012)
Phenomenal, understated film, even if the ending disappoints.
Written and directed by Thomas Vinterberg, and co-written by Tobias Lindholm, "The Hunt" ("Jagten") is a riveting drama that proves that a film need not have a convoluted story line in order to enthrall audiences. In fact, the story line is rather simple. Mads Mikkelsen shines as Lucas, a primary school teacher and recent divorcé whose quiet but lonely life in a sleepy town is upended by an 'innocent' misunderstanding.
The film is often infuriating: Without giving too much away, Lucas's alienation feels unjust. Certain measures taken by the individuals involved in the madness that eventually ensues, at times, seem thoughtless and rash. But this is simply a testament to the film's poignancy, as well as its ability to captivate its audience.
The success of "The Hunt" is in its impeccable execution, thanks to fantastic direction, a provocative script, and understated but powerful performances by its cast. As Lucas, Mikkelsen dominates the film through an incredible portrayal that may not be entirely understood by some viewers. For, while much of the slush that reaches theaters is almost irritatingly overacted, the performances in "The Hunt", Mikkelsen's especially, are pleasantly subdued -- but not without emotional range. Also worthy of commendation is Thomas Bo Larsen, who plays Theo, Lucas's best friend since childhood.
It is no wonder, then, that the film received 49 nominations and 39 wins. But where "The Hunt" may have lost some of its wins (the Academy Awards, the BAFTA Awards, and the Globes, to name a few), and where it ultimately disappoints, while still managing to remain an overall success, is through its ending. Given the film's narrative track, as well as its hyper-realism, the ending -- while not entirely dissatisfying in some senses -- felt unrealistic. It was nonetheless a strong ending in some respects, and the film is no less phenomenal for its sole shortcoming, but after the journey on which the film takes its audience, I expected more.
Notwithstanding its conclusion, "The Hunt" is one of the best films I have seen all year, and perhaps one of the best films I have viewed to date. For that, while I cannot bring myself to give it a perfect score, it deserves no less than an 8/10.