Trance
Directed By: Danny Boyle
Written By: Joe Ahearne, John Hodge
Produced By: Danny Boyle
Cast: James McAvoy, Rosario Dawson, Vincent Cassel, Tuppence Middleton
Plot: A fine art auctioneer helps steal a a priceless painting, only to forget where he hid it after being struck on the head. The gang he's mixed up with hire a hypnotherapist to recover the memory, but as they delve further into his brain, everyone becomes unraveled.
Danny Boyle is well known for creating modern classics such as 28 Days Later, Slumdog Millionaire and of course directing the Olympics opening ceremony. He has always received positive reviews, and Trance is no exception. The film starts with Simon (James McAvoy) addressing the audience, and we automatically like him. Which makes us feel pretty sorry for him throughout the rest of the film... (Nasty business, getting your fingernails ripped off).
The film has been advertised as a psychological thriller, which of course it is, but it's extremely gritty and dark. Danny Boyle is used to shocking audiences, 28 Days Later is a fantastic horror film, and the twists and turns that are featured are intriguing, worrying and damn right criminal. It's also a little bit of a 'whodunnit' type of thriller in some aspects, with the whole gang attempting to find the various potential hiding spots of the painting.
The film keeps us entertained throughout, but does require alot of concentration, don't go to watch this if you're not prepared to think everything through constantly. The narrative is extremely clever, as we visually see Simon's hypnosis, and we unknowingly see parts of the puzzle come together with ease. In my opinion, the best kinds of films are the ones that keep you thinking hours after you've watched it, and in this case you'll be thinking for a few days.
The plot is well thought out, and the acting is superb. James McAvoy plays the fractured mind brilliantly, and Vincent Cassel is both charming and sinister. Although if he'd never hit the poor guy in the head anyway, they wouldn't be in this mess. The visuals are absolutely stunning, with rich colours and vibrant set pieces contrasting to the dark, menacing underworld of London that is shown to us.
Danny Boyle has made a brilliant piece of cinema.
Rating: 8/10
Written By Eammon Jacobs
