Trance

 

Starring;

James McAvoy
Rosario Dawson
Vincent Cassel

Director;

Danny Boyle

In three words; Visceral – Stimulating – Thrilling

Review;

Simon (McAvoy) works at a top London auction house where an extremely valuable painting is about to go on sale. Simon has become embroiled in a plot to steal the painting. However, during the robbery he suffers a head injury which results in him being unable to recall where he has hidden the priceless masterpiece.

The gang behind the heist is led by no nonsense Franck (Cassel) who orders his minions to dish out some horrendous punishment on Simon until such time he can remember where the painting is. After losing a number of finger nails Franck is convinced that Simon really cannot recall what happened in the aftermath of the robbery. Franck tells Simon to pick a hypnotherapist from a list provided in a last attempt to claw back Simon’s memory. Seemingly at random Elizabeth (Dawson) is selected, but all is not what it appears.

This is where Boyle starts to take the film into a different territory. The opening is fluid and sharp and perhaps what one would expect from a director for hire rather than the unique visceral treat normally dished out by the Academy Award winning director. Boyle starts to blur reality and subconscious thoughts and it is up to the audience to follow and decide for themselves what is happening. Never will Boyle attempt to insult his audience nor does he patronise which makes watching his films such a treat.

Working with Cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle for the fifth time Boyle and his team deliver a slick and stylish film. McAvoy is as cool as ever and gives an excellent performance the likes that Ewan McGregor could never aspire to. Not even with Jedi mind tricks could he come close. Dawson is strong in her role proving once again that this rising star gets better with every time I see her. For me Vincent Cassell steals the show with a faultless and brilliant portrayal of a vulnerable villain.

Where the film falters is in the final act where we effectively see the DNA of the characheters change. There are twists and turns which makes the film thrilling however the change in personalities and domineer just didn’t work for me. There is also a rather silly and perhaps indulgent scene with Dawson and an electric shaver!

Despite these problems Trance is a very enjoyable film which looks far beyond the rather humble budget of $13million. It is a visual treat and there is a lot to think about and dissect afterwards. This is another example of the brilliance that Danny Boyle possess and happily shares with us all.

Verdict;

4 out of 5.