Review of The Proposition (2005) by Michael G — 05 Oct 2008

My cinematic gurus, I present you a proposition which I think you will undertake. There is this unorthodox , gripping film entitled (what else?) "The Proposition". What you would have to do is call a certain number 305-888-FILM.

You will be a connected to a very abhorrent, deafening voice which will tell you a listing of films available for moviegoers to experience. Next, you would have to dial the letters "P-R-O" with your touch tone keypad.

You will be a "pro" if you get this far. At this point you are in the selection process of "The Proposition". After, you would dial your zip code on your touch tone keypad. This will lead you to the extravagant cinematic establishment where they are exhibiting "The Proposition" near you.

At the climactic point, you just have to "giddy up" to that cinematic establishment and purchase tickets for "The Proposition" and enter the murky theater room where they are playing "The Proposition".

What do you get in return? You get to experience probably one of the supreme western films in history! I propose you the plot of "The Proposition". The film is set in the secluded Australian Outback of the late 1800's.

Guy Pearce stars as Charlie Burns, the middle brother of a triad of outlaw siblings, whose ravish acts include: attacking the Hopkins farm, raping pregnant Mrs. Hopkins, and murdering the entire family.

Yes! They do have a burning sensation to be bad boys. Charlie and his younger brother Mike are captured by the law enforcement head-honcho Captain Stanley and his henchmen. The eldest Arthur Burns lies in an isolated Australian Outback locality so he is not part of the seizure.

Captain Stanley presents a proposition to Charlie. The prop is for him to capture and kill his older brother Arthur and in return he will spare his live and that of Mike also. Charlie Burns seemed to be burned out of the massacre business with Arthur so he accepts the proposition and goes on the journey while Mike stays back in a cell.

What follows is a sensational film that depicts the egocentric iniquitous side of mankind. I say "shoot them up, way up" for the mesmerizing acting performances of "The Proposition".

Pearce has not been this good since his unforgettable work in "Memento". Danny Huston was wickedly startling as Arthur Burns. Ray Winstone will get your acting vote as the conflicted Captain Stanley.

In other words, Winstone definitely had the tools to hammer the Stanley character. I propose to the Academy to nominate these actors for their thespian efforts! It is a proposal I hope they will not refuse! John Hurt, Emily Watson, and David Wenham also do get my support for Oscar nominations for their outstanding thespian supporting performances.

Director John Hillcoat's punctilious work should also be lauded come Oscar time. Nick Cave's profoundly painstaking screenplay deserved enough kudos for Nick to get out of his cave and walk the red carpet.

Benoit Delhomme's breathtaking cinematography was worthy enough to call this "homme" a talented film technical artist. I propose that you go on your "marry" way to accept "The Proposition".

***** Excellent.