Danny Boyle is well known for his tense storytelling from films like Trainspotting and, my favorite Boyle film Slumdog Millionaire. Boyle's perspective combined with my favorite film genre (Suspense) was bound to be a winning combination. Unless it wasn't. I didn't really entertain the possibility that this film would fall short of my expectations, but it did. While I admit I enjoyed the movie, the contrivances and confusing dream sequences created a muddled mess at times.
Simon (James McAvoy) works for a high-end auctioneer that deals in rare pieces of art. As his gambling debts mount, Simon realizes he needs help. He seeks that assistance from a cagey figure named Franck (Vincent Cassel). The idea is to pre-stage the heist of a 25 million dollar painting scheduled to be auctioned off. Simon will be the insider, while Franck will conduct the operation and take possession of the painting in exchange for paying off Simon's gambling debts. However, things don't go quite as planned, leaving Simon with a head injury and loss of his short-term memory.
Obviously, Franck wants his painting. The painting disappeared while Simon had possession of it. However, Simon can't remember anything. Recovering the painting depends upon Simon remembering where to look for it. To aid in this endeavor, Simon is sent to a hypnotist. After looking at the local directory, Simon selects Elizabeth (Rosario Dawson). As Rosario walks Simon through his memories, the contrived details of Simon's past slowly emerge. There is a much deeper current running through the characters than we are initially led to believe. With dream sequences alternating with flashbacks, we are left guessing as to what reality really exists.
I mentioned the contrivances, because that was my biggest issue with this film. Writers Joe Ahearne and John Hodge hit on a unique idea with this film. However, there are major issues with the script. Beyond the reliance on happenstance, the film also lacks any redeeming characters. In fact, the film does not even have one character that I could even remotely identify with. If I don't care what happens to any of the characters, what's the point? Really. Yes, this film was tense at times and had some interesting sequences. The concept was brilliant. But the execution lacked the elements that fully engage me in a film.
The acting was great. I don't know if I can say that Rosario Dawson was "brave" for standing in front of the camera fully exposed. With films like Take This Waltz, The Sessions and Flight, it seems that full frontal was in vogue in 2013. However, I have to admit that Dawson deserves some attention for exposing herself fully shaved. There is nothing left to the imagination, here. But nudity is not acting. Just ask Ron Jeremy (or not). Dawson's performance was okay, it was believable enough, but nothing special. I enjoyed the male leads better. McAvoy and Cassel provided interesting tension to the film, providing some much needed credibility. Their performances helped salvage this film.
Dawson's full-frontal shaved pussycat is enough to earn this film an easy R Rating from the MPAA. However, that one scene, which lasted much longer than just a brief glimpse, was not the only suggestive material in the film. There were sex scenes, which included nudity, strong language and graphic violence. Oh yeah, and McAvoy got naked, too. The violence included disturbing scenes like one where fingernails are plucked off with pliers. The nudity and violence were all contextual, but also had a gratuitous feel as well. The film was over-the-top at times, seemingly an effort to make up for short-comings in other areas. I would not want to view this film in mixed company. I would set the bar higher on this one. Maybe even NC-17. I am not exactly sure how they squeezed out an R Rating her to begin with.
I don't mind being led along on an interesting journey full of twists and turns. Even when that journey is filled with contrivance. But I need something redeeming to make the journey worthwhile. In this case, I guess I will hang my hat on the performances and concept. Beyond that, I found flat characters that were mildly predictable with no redeeming qualities. Trance fell short of my expectations, but I also admit that I enjoyed the ride in spite of myself. The film was unique and different with a concept that was worth delving into. Dawson's exposure somewhat made up for the lack of reality in her role, so that was a "push." Overall, this is definitely a rainy day rental. IMDb currently has this filmed pegged at 7, which is very generous. I am going with 6/10.
