"London Boulevard " by William Monahan - movie review

"London Boulevard" is a screening of Ken Brunen's novel with the same name and is the Oscar-winning director's debut for William Monahan ("The Departed"). In the film, Colin Farrell acts as a former prisoner who tries to start his life clean, starting to work as a guardian of a young, world-renowned film star (Kirra Knightley). Unfortunately, his criminal past is overwhelmed, and because of his desire to get clean, his hands are dying in the blood of innocent people. If it sounds like a typical British crime, you're on the right track. The movie is just that, but the problem is that there is absolutely nothing in it to distinguish it from dozens of other similar titles we have seen. This, by itself, is hardly such a drama for the lovers of such films, but adding the lack of dynamics, the cumbersome interweaving of the two central storylines - gangster and love (I personally belong to quite separate films) - and the fact that the tone has an idea that is more serious than a part of the events, things are definitely weighing on the negative dimensions of the concept of "typical".

And by saying a more serious tone, do not think there is no humor, which, as you know, is a major part of the charm of the genre. Humor has plenty, and he comes mainly from performances by minor actors. Anna Frill and Eddie Marshan are real treasures, but the person who deserves the highest rating is David Tyllis, as the absolutely mistaken butler of the movie star. For the sake of truth, Ray Winstone and Ben Chaplin, with their horrifying accent, are also fun, but their images are so ... "classic" and exploited by the cinema that they do not allow a man to be honest with them. Seriousness comes from the drama of Farrell's hero, full of honor and morality to where he is, and the problems of movie star Knightley, which are presented worse than schematic. In spite of this, "London Boulevard" is an interesting alternative, which is rarely seen on regular shows in our cinemas - it has more than a great soundtrack, does not load, entertains, leaves no bad taste (nothing you will forget it quickly anyway) and, ultimately, you will not be disappointed that you have given your money.

In general, I recommend it to more affluent people who do not constantly want to be impressed with originality or with bomber action. If you are such a person, I think an evening show before a light drink in a bar will get you well.

Image souorce: 1, 2