The Boston Independent Film Festival opened Wednesday night with Rian Johnson's "The Brothers Bloom," a con-artist film with a hint of romance. While the film pays tribute to parts of the traditional con-artist formula (fake blood, girls interfering with plans, and an elaborate heist gone awry), for the most part, "The Brothers Bloom" does its best to reinvent the genre.
Stephen (played by Mark Ruffalo) and Bloom (Adrien Brody) are con-artist brothers who began heists after being orphaned in childhood. Stephen, the mastermind behind their cons, thoroughly enjoys the mysterious life the brothers lead. Bloom, however, constantly wants out of Stephen's schemes, but is unable to detach himself from his brother and the protection he provides.
Bloom agrees to one last con, tricking the disgustingly wealthy, yet adorably eccentric Penelope Stamp (Rachel Weisz) out of millions of dollars. Penelope is coaxed out of her reclusive existence by Bloom, and they convince her that they are antiques smugglers. Intrigued by their dangerous lifestyle, Penelope walks right into the con.
As Bloom and Penelope begin to fall in love, the brothers' con starts to unravel. Things go awry, but not in the way any viewer would expect.
Along for the ride are two sidekicks, Bang Bang (Rinko Kikuchi) and The Belgian (Robbie Coltrane). Both are really just pawns in Stephen's game, although Bang Bang seems to be more attached to the brothers than either is willing to admit.
Johnson sets the film in a kind of alternate universe. The usual element of danger in con artist films is missing in "The Brothers Bloom," but this does not detract from the film's appeal. When Bloom crashes into Penelope's yellow Lamborghini while on a bike, Johnson makes the audience laugh rather than worry about Bloom's health.
The screenplay elevates the film above the average heist movie. Some of the dialogue becomes overly philosophical, but many moments, such as when Bang Bang shoots an entire tree down or when Penelope smuggles food from the snack car, make it impossible not to laugh out loud.
The real strength of Johnson's movie is the performances, especially those of Weisz and Kinkuchi. Weisz plays Penelope as a nerdy recluse with a naiveté and charm that could win over any hardened heart. She "collects hobbies" because she hasn't had much interaction with the outside world. Her talents include kung fu, gymnastics, playing at least five musical instruments and making anything into a pinhole camera. Her quirks make Penelope the most interesting character in the film.
Unlike Weisz, Kikuchi barely has any lines, but this doesn't stop her from being ridiculously sexy and mysterious. Bang Bang's silence actually enhances Kikuchi's performance, and creates some of the best moments in the film. Many of Kikuchi's gestures and faces convey more emotion than any of the film's dialogue.
Because the females shine so brightly in "The Brothers Bloom," the male performances come off as a little bland in comparison. Ruffalo begins the film with a devious edge over Brody, but as the film progresses, Ruffalo's character takes the backseat to the love story between Bloom and Penelope. Brody plays his somber character quite well, but there are a few moments where his acting seems a little nonchalant, as if his lines mean nothing to him.
The film does have a few problems. The actual heist isn't nearly as exciting as one would hope. If one expects the next "Ocean's Eleven" (2001), this film will not deliver. There seems to be a lot of build-up for something that never happens, and the big secret or twist that is usually revealed at the end of a heist film is missing. Perhaps Johnson is defying the traditional formula of a con-artist movie, but it still leaves the viewer with a sense of disappointment.
As the anticipation for the heist fizzles out, so does the film. The first two-thirds of the film are brilliant, but the last 45 minutes seem a little out of place. The story becomes less light-hearted and more dangerous. It feels a little like the audience is being cheated when this bright, bubbly world turns into a stereotypical robbery film.
But despite its flaws, "The Brothers Bloom" is quite enjoyable, offering many laughs, a little bit of excitement and some cute romantic encounters. Johnson has managed to create an original work without ignoring all the films that have influenced this kind of movie.
"The Brothers Bloom" opens for limited release on May 15 and nationwide on May 29.
