This was a thrilling, utterly gripping piece of film-making from the opening, characteristically idiosyncratic title sequence to the last frame. Throughout, every frame, just about, seemed to be exactly right – in length, in framing, in fitting in to the rhythm of the film. I just had the feeling that everything, from a filmmaking point of view was RIGHT.
Even the use of verbally-related-to-the-action pop music in the soundtrack, often these days an irritatingly heavy-handed commentary (often used effortfully ‘ironically’) on the action worked marvellously well. The music was of The Smiths with their bleakly distinctive world-view perfectly suited to the apparently distanced view of the world held by the titular figure. The occasional phrases that were very clearly and usually briefly were always wonderfully appropriate and added much to; the scene in which they occurred.
One felt ambiguous about the central figure; in one way, he was completely unsympathetic but in other ways and areas there were things to admire about him – bizarrely. His mantras for life and for success in his chosen role, which were obsessively repeated throughout, were, necessarily and ironically ignored as the action was that key aspect which he regarded as perhaps the most central one in his philosophy of complete moral detachment, viz. ‘do not make it personal’ – but it all was very much so. This contrast was the main dramatic engine, which drove the film, I felt.
There were many details in the film, which were a reflection of how carefully it had been constructed. I thought the use of the Apple watch showing his pulse rate was very effective (dramatically valid product placement!). The fights were brutally brilliant and the way a number were hidden, particularly that with ‘the Brute’ was superbly done. Because we did not clearly see everything, his single0minded brutal ruthlessness was even more effective.
I loved Tilda Swinton’s appearance; a character about whom one would love to have learned more. But overall a wonderful piece of filming where every word and frame contributed to the telling and exploring of the story and situations.