D.J. Haza presents the next entry in his series of films to watch before you die…
Revolver, 2005.
Written and Directed by Guy Ritchie.
Starring Jason Statham, André Benjamin, Ray Liotta, Mark Strong and Vincent Pastore.
Guy Ritchie’s Revolver is not very highly regarded by many as it’s over complicated and doesn’t seem to make that much sense. Throw in the use of Kabbalah symbolism and it frightens off many film fans and critics. However, I like it. I’m not sure that I get it, but I like it. It’s a beautifully shot film with some striking images and plenty of well thought out mise-en-scene. It’s well directed, well edited and is a highly stylised version of the usually gangster / trickster / con-artist genre that carries a hefty weight of subtext.
The film follows Jake Green (Statham) who, after his release from prison, looks to get revenge on the people who sent him away. Armed with a formula to win any game or confidence trick he looks to bring down casino owning gangster Dorothy Macha (Liotta), but also has to deal with a life threatening illness that will see him dead in only a few days. Coming to his aid and offering to protect him are Avi (Benjamin) and Zach (Pastore), but in return they want all Jake’s money.
As the film continues with twists and turns the story supposedly enfolds, but it is so complicated and at times hidden in subtext that is difficult to work out what has actually led to the final series of events. There are many theories and discussions, but this isn’t the place for them.
Revolver is a film you must see before you die because it is so beautifully shot, designed and edited that it is a visual feast of stunning cinematography. So, even if you don’t understand it, it’s still pretty!
“Your mind will not accept a game this big”
D.J. Haza
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Originally published December 23, 2011. Updated April 10, 2018.
