Review of The Place Beyond the Pines (2013) by Eric R — 02 Nov 2013

The Place Beyond the Pines is clearly delineated into three distinct acts, which turns out to be one of its biggest faults because the first act is without a doubt the strongest. That's not to say the other two are bad, because they're not, but it definitely sets a false precedent it never lives up to or matches again. Part of the reason why is the first section is the only one to feature Ryan Gosling, who is absolutely electric once again and his character is incredibly fascinating. If the film had found some way to incorporate him all the through, we could have had a classic on our hands.

Derek Cianfrance is among the most exciting up and coming filmmakers, and Place Beyond the Pines is a great follow-up to the excellently morose Blue Valentine. He aims for a more epic scope this time, with sharp cinematography and tackling big themes like the relationship between fathers and sons and the passing on of sins from one generation to the next. It's heady stuff and Cianfrance capably navigates through it, relying on his penchant for long takes and naturalistic character moments. Even though the ending is a bit on the perfunctory side and there are perhaps a few too many coincidences along the way, Pines is more than a worthwhile journey to undertake and reflect upon afterwards.