By: debbie lynn elias
The name of Martin McDonagh should be well familiar to all you theatre afficionados. Internationally renowned writer and director for works such as “The Lieutenant of Inishmore” and “The Pillowman”, McDonagh already had two Olivier Awards and four Tony Award nominations to his name when he expanded his repertoire to include film. And as comes as no surprise, McDonagh met with just as much success on the big screen as in the theatre when he won the 2006 Academy Award for Best Live-Action Short Film with “Six Shooter.” Marking McDonagh’s debut as a screenwriter and film director and starring the equally renowned Brendan Gleeson, with the success of “Six Shooter” it was inevitable that a feature film wouldn’t be too far in the offing. Little did even McDonagh realize, however, that it would be a weekend vacation in Bruges (pronounced “broozh”), Belgium that would lead to what is already one of my favorite films of 2008, IN BRUGES.
Dating back to the Middle Ages, Bruges was a cornerstone in the European trading industry. Amassing much wealth, the city flourished and grew for centuries, marking some of the finest architecture and art of the ages. Unfortunately, as time passed, so did Bruges good fortune and notoriety and it wasn’t until the end of the 19th century that Bruges reappeared into the limelight. Thanks to its impressive architecture, art galleries (including a stunning collection of Bosch in the Groeninge Museum), churches, canals and the structural integrity of the actual Medieval shops, Bruges popularity began to soar to become a popular tourist destination. So obviously, what better place for two hitmen to take a well deserved all expense paid vacation while awaiting their next assignment.
Ken is the perfect hitman; quiet, efficient and nonchalant. Of course to meet him one would never suspect that to be his occupation. Learned, intelligent, interesting and interested, the calm in the eye of any storm, he is the man one wants as a father or big brother. Luckily for newcomer Ray, it is Ken with whom he is partnered thanks to the wisdom of their hypochondriacal and maniacal boss Harry.
Unfortunately, despite Ken’s best guidance and Harry’s judgment, Murphy’s Law plays a hand in Ray’s first job, resulting in a catastrophic mistake. While taking out his assigned target, a priest, the bullet travels through his victim, striking and killing a little boy who was hiding behind the cleric’s robes. Grief and panic stricken, despite Ken’s best efforts, Ray is inconsolable over what he has done – not about killing the priest mind you, but about killing the little boy. Although unintentional, he can’t escape the vision of the dead child on the floor of the apse. So, Harry decides the boys need a break, a vacation before their next assignment, and sends the two off on a holiday in Bruges, a town which Harry holds dear to his heart thanks to some beautiful fairy-tale memories of his own childhood vacation there. Ands the fact that it’s Christmas time only makes the gesture more special in Harry’s eyes.
For Ken, it is love at first sight. Bruges is everything he could ever dream. Ripe with history and fantasy, this is truly a fairytale come to life. Sadly, same can’t be said for Ray who hates every second of every minute of every hour of every day and wants only to move onto the next job. Miserable and impatient, not even Ken’s beauteous travelogue exploring the city can rise Ray’s spirits and, in fact, seems to make him even more miserable and cantankerous. But there is something that can bring a smile to Ray’s face – a beautiful young girl named Chloe and a Dutch midget named Jimmy who is shooting a movie in the town square.
But as Ray starts to find something to smile about, Ken becomes downtrodden, irritable and morose, particularly when Harry calls with his next assignment. Seems there really is honor among thieves and criminals and there is no greater sin than killing a child, even when done inadvertently. Torn between his paternal love for Ray, his own code of ethics and morals and his duty and responsibility to Harry, Ken sets events into play that bring out the most comic and tragic for us all.
For those of you who might be suffering from a little memory lapse, IN BRUGES could easily be mistaken for a Harry Potter reunion fest, bringing “Mad Eye Mooney” Brendan Gleeson, “Fleur Delacor” Clemence Posey and “Lord Valdemort” Ralph Fiennes together outside of Hogwarts.
For myself, Brendan Gleeson is reason enough to see this film. As Ken, he gives without a doubt the finest performance of his career. Simply outstanding and dare I say it at this early stage, an early contender for Oscar 2009. From his deadpan schtick playing foil to Colin Farrell’s childlike Ray, to the most touching dramatic eloquence, Gleeson had me doubling over with laughter as well as moving me to anguished heartbreaking tears. I couldn’t stop crying through 3 scenes his performance was so moving. For me, Colin Farrell has always been a throw away. I could take him or leave him, but here, he completely won me over as Ray. In what I can only describe as incredible, he bought a boyish charm and insecurity to the part of Ray that is simply enchanting. But then put Farrell and Gleeson together and what are two incredible individual performances, become singularly phenomenal with undeniable chemistry and camaraderie. Move over Abbott and Costello, Laurel and Hardy or even Hope and Crosby. Gleeson and Farrell are in town! And what about Ralph Fiennes? WOW!!! As Harry he is soooo over the top that he just blew me away. His schizophrenic maniacal take on this devoted “family man” was totally and completed unexpected and exciting.
McDonagh, known for his adept and engaging plays, doesn’t disappoint on film, giving us well crafted and multi-textural characters like Ray and Ken. As he himself admits, “It took me a long time to get the hang of it [writing a screenplay]. I enjoy dialogue and character and plot but with a film script there is so much more you have to get your head around.” And thanks to his own weekend in Bruges, he had more than enough inspiration. “I was struck by how beautiful the place was and cinematic. It hadn’t really changed in the last 600 years. The most beautiful Medieval churches, canals and cobble streets. I was there for 2 days and by the second day I was bored out of my head and just wanted to get drunk and leave and that became the Colin Farrell character in my head, Ray. And then the other side of me was saying ‘stay.’ Churches are good for you and that was behind the Brendan Gleeson character that popped up. Then I thought why would two people be there when they didn’t want to be or didn’t have to be and that’s when the idea of hitmen popped into my head.”
Incorporating Bruges itself as a character to the film, particularly in showcasing the Bell Tower, a 250 foot high tower providing a breathtaking view of Bruges and the Belgium countryside (and which required walking up 366 steps with equipment to shoot), but for one church, McDonagh and company were given run of the town with full cooperation from the citizens and the Burgomaster Patrick Moenaert. Thanks to McDonagh’s vision and the stylized work of cinematographer Eigil Bryld, the Bruges travelogue with actual historical fact incorporated into the story is simply outstanding and the photography – particularly the night shots – is exquisite. Never faltering, the film moves at an even clip providing us with one surprise after another at every alcove in town.
Providing one of the most appropriate and complimentary scores and soundtracks I have heard in many a day, Carter Burwell’s work is just icing on the cake.
Bittersweet, funny, heartfelt and beauteous. Get your passport ready and make IN BRUGES your movie-going destination this weekend. It’s one trip you’ll want to make again and again.
Ken – Brendan Gleeson Ray – Colin Farrell Harry – Ralph Fiennes
Written and Directed by Martin McDonagh. Rated R. (101 min)
