Looper

Looper 

Directed By: Rian Johnson

Written By: Rian Johnson

Produced By: Ram Bergman

Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt

Plot: In the year 2044, a man working for a group of killers called "Loopers" (they work for the mob and kill people who are sent blindfolded back in time from the year 2074 by their bosses) recognizes a victim as himself. He hesitates resulting in the escape of his older self. He must quickly find and kill his future self, but there is more at stake than he initially realizes.

Rian Johnson's style of filming somehow feels unique and different to the majority of films that are released. He has created an anti-hero through Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis, a character who must kill his future self to preserve his own life. This concept is intriguing and subtlety asks the audience 'What would you do?'. It felt slightly reminiscient of Ridley Scott's 'Blade Runner'. With some of the city shots and technology featured in it could be a potential nod of the head.

I was first extremely surprised when it was announced that Joseph Gordon-Levitt would be playing a younger Bruce Willis. The two actors roles are usually polar opposites. Even if Levitt has moved more into the action genre with films such as Inception and The Dark Knight Rises. They definitely do not seem to align as each other's former/future self. However, I was impressed with the outcome, and I feel that I, like most people, underestimated Levitts' acting potential to portray a younger Willis. 

There is plenty of character development, with the audience being able to see the humanity that hides behind Joe's rough exterior. However there is a certain plot device that seems to be taken from the first Terminator film, with Bruce Willis giving out rough justice to certain individuals. I also love the transition between the city of the future and the rough farmland of America. This is also where my favourite character (other than Joe), comes into play, portrayed by the wonderful Emily Blunt. I feel that her performance is fantastic, and the way that she shows the lengths that a mother would go so as to protect her child is astounding.

The film has some interesting concepts, with telekinesis, hover bikes and time-travelling hit-men...this is no small movie. And whilst there are some blockbuster grade effects, the film has a very 'indie' feel to it. The finale is full of pulse-pounding action and suspense, Rian Johnson has crafted a modern classic. The performances of the entire cast are pitch perfect, the cinematography is seamless and the whole thing fits and works together like clockwork. 

8/10

Written By Eammon Jacobs