THE BROTHERS BLOOM REVIEW

Director: Rian Johnson
Cast: Adrien Brody,Mark Ruffalo, Rachel Weisz and Rinko Kikuchi
Release Date: 2009-07-17 08:00:00
Quick Take: A splendid con caper



WITH CHARACTER names like Bloom (Adrien Brody) and Bang Bang (Oscar-nominee for Babel, Rinko Kikuchi) you know you’re in for a weird ride. Orphans Bloom and his older brother Stephen (Mark Ruffalo) start off young as con ‘men’; Bloom is putty in his older brother’s scripts of deceit but is too timid to start living a ‘real’ life. But when things come to a head, they decide to pull one final con on an unsuspecting rich good-for-nothing lady called Penelope (Rachel Weisz).

The film has a very period feel about it though that’s just a gimmick really.
It almost has an arty feel mixed with some thrills and a bit of noir. Bang Bang’s silent portrayal of the boys’ Girl Friday who likes blowing things up is a treat to watch. The plot twists are exceptionally well-crafted and con you too. Writer/director Rian Johnson’s script is delightfully etched out but you may get a tad lost in the elaborate use of words. All the performances are refreshingly convincing and comically imaginative.

The Brothers Bloom is for a discerning audience who like their capers fun, exhilarating and warm. There’s a hint of inspiration from the ’80s comedy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which also involved a pair of con men (the brilliant Steve Martin and Michael Cane) and a ditsy socialite (Glenne Headly).