Review of Layer Cake (2004) by Javier G — 25 Jun 2012

I have favorites. Don't tell the other movies.

James Bond was a criminal first. Well, at least the actor playing the new James Bond played a criminal first, a role which landed him that sweet spy gig. Having never heard of this movie until the Daniel Craig as Bond hoopla, imagine my surprise and utter delight to find out that this movie was so entertaining and excellently crafted.

Like I said, Daniel Craig is in this. His character however has no name. It's this character we follow along during a few days through the London underworld as crimes, drug deals and double crossings unfold. The protagonist is a cocaine distributor, a businessman, in London and he's readying himself for retirement. This is a world that doesn't easily let you leave because everyone in it has agendas and often they are more urgent then the normal world. In a world like this, someone that appears to have made his wealth and is looking to get out inspires all sorts of reactions, from jealousy to well-wishing, and is a prime target to be used and abused one last time by those who think they can. That is exactly what happens here. Our businessman finds himself as an unwilling and accidental player or pawn in a couple of last jobs for his boss, jobs that are not exactly what they seem to be and while not entirely connected, cross paths and create even further complexity.

It's hard to summarize this plot without having to write out a novel or at least a short story. It's complicated but easy to follow if you're paying attention. My mother likes to watch movies in little bits. A little of the beginning here, some of the end there, then more of the beginning and finally the middle. It annoys me that she does that but lets not get off-track. You can't do that with this movie, partly because it sometimes plays out as snippets already, but mainly because there is so much information that builds on itself that you really have to get it in order.

Watch Layer Cake. If you enjoy crime dramas, watch it. If you enjoy Daniel Craig, watch it. If you enjoy whodunnit's, watch it. If you enjoy great directing and cinematography, watch it. If you just want to watch a great movie, watch it.

Entertainment Value - 1 1/2 Stars: I love this movie so yes, definitely entertained.

Storytelling - 1 Star: It seems convoluted and maybe a little incredibly but it doesn't feel contrived or forced in any way to me. If you feel like all of this wouldn't happen to this one guy in such a small amount of time then get to know some mid-to-high level "gangsters." Any semi-organized criminal of any sort, but especially in the concaine trade,will tell you, speed is key when sh*t hits the fan.

Characters - 1 Star: Almost every character got excellent treatment. Except for one or two, even if their motivations were alien to your way of thinking, the movie made you understand why they did what they did.

Production - 1/2 Star: You can't go wrong with London I guess but nothing I felt was wrong with it.

Directing and Editing - 1 Star: Some damned imaginative transitions along with good camera angles and an added narrative made me forget that I was watching a movie and almost made it feel like I was spying on these people. The order in which certain events are shown served to enhance the entertainment value of this movie as well without making too confusing.