Rarely would a film trash the city it’s named after in the opening lines, but the genius of Oscar-winning director Martin McDonagh’s script is that it is nothing if not unexpected. Don’t worry if you’ve never heard the name Martin McDonagh, most people outside the theater world have no idea who he is. After his film Six Shooter won the Oscar for best live action short, In Bruges marked his feature film debut in 2008, and since then he hasn’t returned to the director’s chair. But if we use his debut as a measure, fans and critics alike will welcome him back with open arms when he does.
In Bruges is the classic story of a hit gone wrong and, as a result, the two hit men, Ken (Brendan Gleeson) and Ray (Colin Ferrell) are forced to hightail it to Belgium and the eponymous city of Bruges. While there, they are tasked with staying out of trouble by their boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes), something that seems impossible for the hapless Ray, and quite simple for Ken, who is content to see the sights and await instructions. Hilarity and heartbreak ensue with the help of a heavily drugged dwarf, a gorgeous drug-dealer, and some extremely obese Americans. It all leads up to a conclusion that leaves you stunned and begging for more.
After seeing In Bruges, many people will draw comparisons to films like Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels or Kiss Kiss Bang Bang for its combination of black comedy and extreme violence, but In Bruges sets itself apart for its unflinching evaluation of its heavy subject matter. Never has a film facing such serious issues as suicide, infanticide, and general murder for hire made you laugh so far into the conclusion, while still making you think about good and evil. That is what makes In Bruges stand out from the pack, it cannot be considered violent fluff, because it refuses to back down from the sensitive subjects it faces.
Even though In Bruges has a bolder outlook on its subject matter, don’t think that means it isn’t entertaining; to do so would underestimate McDonagh’s skill as a scriptwriter. It remains to this day one of the most endlessly quoted films among my friends and I. With classic lines such as: “If I grew up on a farm and was retarded, Bruges might impress me, but I didn’t, so it doesn’t,” or flat out physical comedy (Ray’s reaction to a bottle-wielding Canadian is a moment I still laugh over after repeated viewings). It’s definitely a film that takes someone who’s not afraid of a little foul language to laugh at, but if you are that type of person, you won’t be able to stop.
Above and beyond all of that, the true revelation in this film is Colin Ferrell’s performance as Ray. After what can only be described as a disastrous acting career, it’s wonderful to watch him justify his success. As the twitchy, violent, and vulnerable Ray, Ferrell leaps between gunshots and tears with gusto, giving his character reality while easily able to make the audience laugh. Having written Ferrell off for his tragically bad performances in Alexander, Daredevil, and Phone Booth, it was astonishing to see him exhibit character depth and comic timing. It goes to show that a few terrible films aren’t an actor’s full story, and when he’s in his element, Colin Ferrell can be fantastic.
Brendan Gleeson, too, finally gets to unleash the full force of his comedic talent through his performance as Ken. Known mostly as a dramatic actor from films such as 28 Days Later, Into the Storm, and Braveheart, as well as his incredibly entertaining Mad-eye Moody in the Harry Potter films, Gleeson definitely breaks out of that mold in In Bruges. Though Ken’s humor is much more subtle than Ray’s, Gleeson attacks his lines with charm and what can almost be called innocence. He’s so effective at winning the audience over, that for much of the film you forget he is a killer, no matter how many times he reminds you of it. Gleeson often plays the ultimate father-figure in his films, and he continues that trend with his portrayal of Ken. There is a level of compassion in his performance that is unexpected, but it never completely conceals the anger that simmers beneath his countenance.
With such powerful, nuanced performances from the two lead actors, it’s easy to write off the other characters as lacking depth or subtlety, but that would be a disservice to what can be taken away from In Bruges. Every actor, from Clemence Posey to Jordan Prentice, delivers spot on performances. Eric Gordan as Yuri? His speech about alcoves is spectacular! Though most of the actors in the film are unknown, each is perfect for their role, and not a single person delivers a performance that isn’t spot on.
Ultimately, In Bruges is a film that isn’t for everyone. It features extreme violence and some words that should never be repeated in front of your grandmother. Even so, if you can handle the gore and the language, as well as have an appreciation for black humor, you will not be disappointed by a film like this. It is equal parts hilarity and morality, with a razor sharp wit and a perfect cast. After watching In Bruges once, you’ll find yourself quoting it to everyone you meet, and those who know it will say the lines right along with you.
6/7
