Review of The Square (2008) by Morgan O — 11 Aug 2010
Superior neo-noir morality fable, which is made all the more watchable by virtue of being Australian.
Most of the noir tropes are there but never really hammered home with any cynicism, and the narrative manages to stay fresh and feel pretty touching as opposed to crass or overbearing.
The plot plays like a sort of cross between FARGO and THE MAN WHO WASN'T THERE, and the director's admiration of the Coens is tangible. That's not a bad thing if you're able to pull off your own take on a tale told a thousand times already, which Edgerton thankfully manages to do.
It may feel a tad stale at times due to the nature of noir but overall THE SQUARE is quite inventive and manages to successfully toe the fine line between tragi-comedy and straight-faced farce without slipping into a shambles, so well done.
I do think much of the film's success comes from the terminally likable lead-man, who manages to overcome the setbacks of his weak-willed, morally suspect character through some good writing and a cracking, underplayed performance.
This review of The Square (2008) was written by Morgan O on 11 Aug 2010.
The Square has generally received positive reviews.
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