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If anyone has talked to me in the past 6 months, maybe even in the past year, they would know that I have been anxiously awaiting the release of The Place Beyond the Pines. Then I was struck with news that no cinephile (living in the middle of nowhere) wants to hear - "limited release". Upon reading those sinful words, I looked the movie up. Not even in my state upon the original release. But alas, it get's a wide release a few weeks after the initial release. You can imagine I was ecstatic, my most anticipated movie of the year is getting a full release! Had I been able to, I would have bought my premiere ticket right then and there. The again, I was hit with terrible news. It still isn't showing in any theater within an hours drive. I had almost given up, I figured the DVD release would do just fine. I almost shrieked in excitement upon viewing the theater's film roster this past week. There it was! The beautiful words "The Place Beyond the Pines" written in tiny letters, right below Oz the Great and Powerful! It took longer than I would have wanted it to, but at least it made it!
Thinking I was ready, I went to the earliest showing I could (which happened to be the latest showing the theater had, thanks to my work schedule). Turns out, I was not ready. The list of movies that have made me cry has increased to two. The other film that jerked a tear from me? Blue Valentine. Derek Cianfrance can write! The stories are all too real, you are truly immersed into the gloomy worlds he creates. Not many writers can accomplish this task as beautifully as Cianfrance does, he has earned my respect.
While the parts were written beautifully, the acting is what really brings the film to life. Ryan Gosling has never had a bad role, and this definitely wasn't his first. Gosling plays Luke Glanton, a motorcycle stuntman with a huge fanbase. He is informed that he is the father of a child, and makes it his goal to provide for said child. A man who goes to such lengths to provide for his child deserves a medal, especially when the mother doesn't even want him around. The audience becomes attached to Luke. No man is without flaws, but Luke is trying as hard as he can to give his son the life he never had. Doing bad things will eventually get the police on your tail, and that's where Bradley Cooper comes in. Cooper takes the role of Avery Cross, a police officer that will always fight for good, and apparently robbing banks isn't good! After his introduction, Avery more-or-less becomes the center of attention. When he notices corruption in the police force, he fights to change that aswell.
Everything about this movie was good. Most of the dialogue sent chills down my spine. All of the characters were introduced and built to perfection. As stated above, this film feels real. A real roller-coaster of emotion, if you will. This film may be a bit on the longer side, but every true fan of cinema should watch this movie! Though this film is definitely not for the casual movie-goer.
Rating: 10/10
Discussion topic: If a parent is not a "good" role-model, is it better for them to be out of the picture?
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