There seems to be an emerging genre in film this year. Maybe we should call it the "grunge-teen-crime" genre. First seen in 'Spring Breakers' earlier this year, Sophia Coppola's remarkable 'The Bling Ring' touches on many of the same ideas. From one of the most original voices in American cinema today, Coppola reminds us of her talent behind the camera. 'The Bling Ring' is yet another revealing, entertaining piece of eye candy that will surely cause many people to stop and think.
Perhaps you remember the story, a group of teenage hooligans made their rounds to an impressive amount of celebrity homes (Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, etc) and robbed them silly. The absurdity comes from the ease with which they entered each home, the amount they got away with in luxury goods (over $3 million), and the blatant attempt at fame.
Coppola dives deep, creating touching, disturbing, and oftentimes hilarious moments. Though the film is based on actual events (a magazine article, to be exact), it plays like a true drama, as though the events themselves were always meant to become told through film. We meet Marc, a quiet kid, newly transferred to his current high school. He meets Rebecca, they bond, and naturally their after school activities lead to burgalry - first cars on the street, then to houses, then to the homes of their idols.
A film is only as good as its cast, and boy, what a case. The mostly unknown actors are flawless, but we must gives praise to Emma Watson. From Harry Potter to her continuing progression into more adult-themed films, she is flawless in the role of Nicki. Home-schooled by a crazed mother obsessed with 'The Secret' and without a sense of consequence, she steals scene after scene after scene.
The film is met with criticism, mostly for the director's inability to dive below the surface and truly analyze her characters. Nonsense. Coppola herself has said this is a story that could not have been told 10 years ago, that the actions of these kids is so boggling and in many ways foreign to common sense. Her direction proves this point. None of the actors are playing overtly likable people. In fact, they could be classified into the category of 'brats.' How can we relate to someone whose motive is driven by the mere hope of becoming famous? Were any lessons learned during the course of the story? I will not spoil the ending (aside from them being caught, obviously), but I don't think any film this year has concluded with such a spot-on final line. It's left me thinking, days later. Isn't that what 'good' movies are supposed to make you do?
(Awards potential: Best Supporting Actress (Watson), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Costume Design, Best Art Direction)
