Review of Live by Night (2016) by Barney O — 06 Jul 2017

WHAT I LIKED: Weirdly, 'Live by Night' was bashed critically and hugely underperformed at the box office, but I personally feel it's up there with Affleck's previous directorial efforts, and in fact in many ways it shows areas where Affleck has improved and learned as a filmmaker. Yes for me - for example - this is the first picture from the director where virtually every character is fleshed-out to a meaningful degree and as a result the film is able to invest you in what could otherwise feel a little slow and plotty. Also, Live by Night's slower pace probably best showcases Affleck's ability to broadcast a complex and occasionally thematic story in a way that you're fully involved in every twist and turn, and that means that you're not only invested, but you also have time to ponder over what's coming next. That kind of indulgence is also helped by a great score from Harry Gregson-Williams and beautifully rich cinematography from Robert Richardson, and what you get in the end is arguably Affleck's most accomplished and steady piece of cinema yet.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: Perhaps because it's a less gritty, fast and tense affair compared to the likes of 'Argo' and 'The Town,' it does leave more room to notice the lack of dirty realism, and Affleck's fairly lackluster performance against his incredible co-stars.

VERDICT: 'Live by Night' was most likely bashed because of expectation, but I don't think it deserves that at all. In fact, I think it ranks right up there with Affleck's best.