The Proposition 4/5 Reviewed by Mike
I've got to give Chris props for telling me about this movie a few days ago. If not for him, I probably would not have known about it. And I would have missed out, because this is a great piece of film, and deserves a high place alongside the most classic films in the western genre.
The basic plot revolves around a proposition (hence the title) given to Charlie Burns (Guy Pearce): His younger brother Mikey will be hung in a matter of days, unless Charlie kills his other brother, Arthur (Danny Huston, son of the famous director John) who is responsible for some horrific crimes. The story spends most of its time exploring the inner workings of the police captain who gives this proposition (Ray Winstone) and his relationship with his troubled wife (Emily Watson).
This is a western film, but unlike any you've seen before - because it's not the romanticized american west of John Wayne and Clint Eastwood - it's a gritty Australian outback in the 1880's. The film is permeated with the constant buzzing of flies, the dry dirt, and the beautiful and deadly landscape. It's the west in a way you've never seen. In fact, the landscape and environment of the Austrailian outback is so key to this film that it becomes almost a character unto itself.
The reason this film is so amazing is that nothing is simple. In the first few scenes, you think you've got it all sorted out--who the "good" guys and the "bad" guys are, and whats going to happen. But just like life, nothing is that simple. The Police Captain is an incredibly complex character, struggling through moral dilemmas, a drug problem, and a need to protect his wife from the disturbing requirements of life in the outback. His wife is also an incredibly complex character, who is dealing with her own crises, getting lost and losing her grip in a troubling world.
In addition to creating realistic, intricate characters, writer Nick Cave boldly explores some pretty deep themes--racism, family blood ties, loyalty, honor, and justice to name but a few. What does it really mean to have justice? How far does loyalty to a family go? When is violence justified, and to what purpose? The relationship of the aboriginal peoples to the British colonists is a constant reminder of the pain of racism, and what can happen when cultures clash. The explorations of these themes are deeply layered and sophisticated, without ever weighing the film down.
Technically, this movie is nearly flawless. One aspect of the film that really stands out is the music, by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis (no, not the comic book genius). It's experimental and odd, but masterfully done. There is never a traditional western score--instead, odd sounds, clashing violins, and an incredibly intelligent use of a few musical themes create a a soundtrack that brings new things out of the film--forcing you to look at certain elements differently. The acting in this film is absolutely brilliant. Ray Winstone and Emily Watson create here some of the most powerful acting I've seen in a long time. Thats not to say the rest of the cast isn't amazing, because not once in the film did I think that I was watching "actors." They embodied these characters. Guy Pearce is almost unrecognizable, he so completely takes on his role. In fact, I think my only complaint about the film is that not enough time was spent on Guy Peace's character. He was the only character that I feel like I didn't get to know well. Although we know he is going through some tough decisions, and feeling the weight of deciding what is right and wrong in such a twisted world, we don't really get to see him struggle with those ideas in the way we see the Police Captain do the same.
I feel like I should warn you about the violence in this film. In most westerns, there's a "coolness" to the violence--the gunfights, bar brawls, etc. In this film, the violence is never cool. I would compare the level of violence here to that of "The Passion." It's horrid and wretched, and there a few points that I felt that even I might not be able to take this level of violence and gore--but I wouldn't use the word "gratuitous" to describe it, because every ounce of the violence is done on purpose. This movie slaps you in the face with how real and terrible violence can be. But be careful--this movie isn't for everyone. Don't you dare bring kids to this, and if you know violence bothers you, you may want to pass.
All in all, "The Proposition" is a brilliant, powerful, and moving piece of work. It's images and themes will stay with you long after you see it.
See this movie if:
-You think all westerns are the same
-You like movies that really make you think about emotionally complex issues
-You're already tired of summer movies
Don't see this movie if:
-Graphic violence disturbs you
-You're looking to relax and want some good fun escapism
-You're under 17. This one's rated R for a reason.
The basic plot revolves around a proposition (hence the title) given to Charlie Burns (Guy Pearce): His younger brother Mikey will be hung in a matter of days, unless Charlie kills his other brother, Arthur (Danny Huston, son of the famous director John) who is responsible for some horrific crimes. The story spends most of its time exploring the inner workings of the police captain who gives this proposition (Ray Winstone) and his relationship with his troubled wife (Emily Watson).
This is a western film, but unlike any you've seen before - because it's not the romanticized american west of John Wayne and Clint Eastwood - it's a gritty Australian outback in the 1880's. The film is permeated with the constant buzzing of flies, the dry dirt, and the beautiful and deadly landscape. It's the west in a way you've never seen. In fact, the landscape and environment of the Austrailian outback is so key to this film that it becomes almost a character unto itself.The reason this film is so amazing is that nothing is simple. In the first few scenes, you think you've got it all sorted out--who the "good" guys and the "bad" guys are, and whats going to happen. But just like life, nothing is that simple. The Police Captain is an incredibly complex character, struggling through moral dilemmas, a drug problem, and a need to protect his wife from the disturbing requirements of life in the outback. His wife is also an incredibly complex character, who is dealing with her own crises, getting lost and losing her grip in a troubling world.
In addition to creating realistic, intricate characters, writer Nick Cave boldly explores some pretty deep themes--racism, family blood ties, loyalty, honor, and justice to name but a few. What does it really mean to have justice? How far does loyalty to a family go? When is violence justified, and to what purpose? The relationship of the aboriginal peoples to the British colonists is a constant reminder of the pain of racism, and what can happen when cultures clash. The explorations of these themes are deeply layered and sophisticated, without ever weighing the film down.Technically, this movie is nearly flawless. One aspect of the film that really stands out is the music, by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis (no, not the comic book genius). It's experimental and odd, but masterfully done. There is never a traditional western score--instead, odd sounds, clashing violins, and an incredibly intelligent use of a few musical themes create a a soundtrack that brings new things out of the film--forcing you to look at certain elements differently. The acting in this film is absolutely brilliant. Ray Winstone and Emily Watson create here some of the most powerful acting I've seen in a long time. Thats not to say the rest of the cast isn't amazing, because not once in the film did I think that I was watching "actors." They embodied these characters. Guy Pearce is almost unrecognizable, he so completely takes on his role. In fact, I think my only complaint about the film is that not enough time was spent on Guy Peace's character. He was the only character that I feel like I didn't get to know well. Although we know he is going through some tough decisions, and feeling the weight of deciding what is right and wrong in such a twisted world, we don't really get to see him struggle with those ideas in the way we see the Police Captain do the same.
I feel like I should warn you about the violence in this film. In most westerns, there's a "coolness" to the violence--the gunfights, bar brawls, etc. In this film, the violence is never cool. I would compare the level of violence here to that of "The Passion." It's horrid and wretched, and there a few points that I felt that even I might not be able to take this level of violence and gore--but I wouldn't use the word "gratuitous" to describe it, because every ounce of the violence is done on purpose. This movie slaps you in the face with how real and terrible violence can be. But be careful--this movie isn't for everyone. Don't you dare bring kids to this, and if you know violence bothers you, you may want to pass.All in all, "The Proposition" is a brilliant, powerful, and moving piece of work. It's images and themes will stay with you long after you see it.
See this movie if:
-You think all westerns are the same
-You like movies that really make you think about emotionally complex issues
-You're already tired of summer movies
Don't see this movie if:
-Graphic violence disturbs you
-You're looking to relax and want some good fun escapism
-You're under 17. This one's rated R for a reason.
posted by Hankinstien at 11:53 PM
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