Review of Brighton Rock (2010) by David C — 11 May 2012

Disappointing. Adaptations are difficult to review, because while a film may pale in comparison to a book, it doesn't necessarily mean the film is bad on its own. That said, I think this film, by following the general flow of the book, loses the edge in the final minute, tagging on an Ambersons-like ending that breaks the beautiful tension of the story in damaging ways.

Greene may have written a similar ending for the original to avoid sensors, but here it is pointless and pretty much undercuts the religious tension by damning religion out of hand. Further, the film lacks dramatic power throughout its run time, while the first-time director makes too much use of stylistic and visual flourish.

That Joffe's father made a horrendous adaptation of another classic novel doesn't help his case. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, I guess.