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Madison at the Movies: Cast, director shine in beautiful 'Bloom'

By Madison Mathews
Press Staff Writer
mmathews@johnsoncitypress.com

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I wish I could see the world through the eyes of director Rian Johnson.

There’s something about his vision that is equally both whimsical and compelling. His films contain characters and themes that elevate the genre in which they are set.

In 2005’s “Brick,” Johnson created a modern day film noir set in a California high school where all the kids spoke as if their dialogue was ripped from a Humphrey Bogart detective film. With his follow-up film, “The Brothers Bloom,” Johnson crafts an old-fashioned love story strung together by a con-man movie.

Stephen (Mark Ruffalo) and Bloom (Adrien Brody) are two brothers who have spent their entire lives perfecting the art of being confidence men. Stephen is one who comes up with the hair-brained schemes while Bloom acts as the star of Stephen’s stories. After growing up living fake lives, Bloom decides he’s grown tired of the con and leaves his brother behind, vowing to never return to the life of a con man. Years later, Stephen tracks Bloom down and offers him the chance to be a part of the almighty “last con.” Bloom reluctantly agrees and accompanies his brother and Bang Bang (Rinko Kikuchi), a mute demolitions expert, as they pull a con on Penelope (Rachel Weisz), an unsuspecting billionaire recluse.

While the film is a con man at its heart, it also works as two very different love stories – one about the brothers Bloom and one about Bloom and Penelope.

Utilizing the talents of two strong leading actors, Johnson is able to create a brotherly bond between Ruffalo and Brody that’s rarely seen in cinematic siblings. The two have such a magnificent chemistry with each other. Their relationship reminds us that just like with all siblings, there are moments of hate and admiration. With Stephen and Bloom, those moments usually happen at the same time.

It’s easy to root for a guy like Bloom. He’s been pushed around by his brother and made to act in every con they’ve ever pulled together. Throughout those years, Bloom has been searching for a life that he can create for himself, and he finally finds that in Penelope. Penelope has been collecting hobbies throughout her life, searching for something that will make her become interested in what’s around her. What makes their love story so believable is that you begin to believe they were made for one another. As they become closer with one another, they learn something more about themselves that they didn’t know before.

At times “Brothers Bloom,” mirrors the stylings of Wes Anderson, but Johnson never lets things become too hip. More importantly, Johnson fills his world with characters who are weird and eccentric, but also feel real and organic, which is something Anderson can’t always claim. Just when things become a little too wacky, Johnson has the restraint to pull back and make sure that his whimsical creations live with one foot in reality. He’s able to blend in dark moments with light fun in a way no one else is able to do.

While Brody and Weisz deliver the goods in their roles, it’s Ruffalo that truly shines. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen him have so much fun in a role before. Stephen feels as if he has been crafting elaborate schemes to swindle money from people for ages. While I understand that his character is more of a supporting role, I would’ve loved have to seen more Stephen. Kikuchi, who played a much different mute character in the horrendous Oscar-bait film “Babel,” is much more enjoyable this time around.

As great as “The Brothers Bloom” is, there are some problems, most of which rear their ugly heads as the film begins wrapping up. The inclusion of the brothers’ mentor, the Diamond Dog, doesn’t get nearly enough screen time to make his character fit with everything else that goes on the film. The con plot becomes a little muddled toward the end when the double-crosses begin filtering in. Once the final act rolls around, the film begins to lose some steam, but thankfully regains its pace as the final scene plays out.

Even with all its problems, Johnson’s sharp dialogue, camera movements, eye for visual comedy and love of storytelling elevate this con-man story to a level unlike any other.

If anything, Johnson proves with “The Brothers Bloom” that he’s going to be one of those directors who is able to handle any genre with the greatest of ease. His films take the viewer on a journey into a new world of possibilities, and I can’t wait to see where he travels to next.

The State of Franklin Film Society will be screening “The Brothers Bloom” Thursday as part of its inaugural membership drive at 7 at the Real to Reel Theaters, 130 W. Springbrook Drive. Regular Real to Reel ticket prices apply, but admission will be $5 for SoFFS members.

Madison Mathews is a Press staff writer. Reach him at mmathews@johnsoncitypress.com.