Review of Out of the Furnace (2013) by Michael S — 22 Apr 2014

A bleak, at time brilliantly realized revenge drama from CRAZY HEART's Scott Cooper, "Out of the Furnace" is a familiar setup executed to the nines. A simple, spare rural crime saga with ambition and commentary; and performances that make it great.

At this point, it seems pointless to praise a Christian Bale performance, but he gives one of his best here, as does Casey Affleck and Woody Harrelson as the menacing, hateful ball of psychotic rage DeGroat. Bale is mesmerizing in his restraint... Harrelson; quite the opposite.

"Out of the Furnace" isn't going to win anyone over with originality. On the surface, we've seen films like this before but Cooper has a unique vision. He skillfully touches upon America's current Socioeconomic climate without drawing attention away from the narrative. In this way it reminded me of Andrew Dominic's underrated "Killing Them Softly," only a lot more subtle and with the stark, backwoods atmosphere of "Winter's Bone." It's with it's performances however, it's cinematography, and the unexpected way in which the story unfolds that makes "Into the Furnace" standout; even in a particularly strong year at the movies.

Director Scott Cooper has proven "Crazy Heart" was no fluke. "Out of the Furnace" is a great sophomore effort from a promising new talent as well as one of the stronger films I've seen this year.