Review of Trance (2013) by Anthony F — 22 Jul 2013

To fully appreciate and understand Trance -- the highly stylish, layered and detailed new movie by Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire, Trainspotting) -- one MUST pay attention and have few distractions while one watches the entire film.

If one gives up on the film because it is too difficult to follow, the fully explanatory finale will not serve its purpose. The film is perhaps too complex and it isn't an overly smooth first watch because it does raise many questions while one contemplates what is going on in the art heist meets hypnosis film.

Art auctioneer Simon (James McAvoy - Wanted) tries to fend off a pricely heist but his actions are brutally stopped by the thief (Vincent Cassel - Black Swan) and his team. As Simon recovers from the assault, it is revealed that the heist was foiled but he cannot recall any of the details .

.. which brings him to a hypnotist (Rosario Dawson - Death Proof) who will help him remember the events of that fateful evening and find the invaluable painting. Maybe this is what is going on ... Boyle's masterful use of color is again on display in Trance and much of it is as frenetic and frantic as most of Boyle's previous films.

While Simon is the central character, the film heavily focuses upon all three of those mentioned fleshing them out giving each of them some depth and mystery. The film's title, Trance, indicates that it is meant to be a mindbender and it might end up being too much of one for some audiences.

Perhaps it is too smart for its own good as Boyle allows parts of it to become frazzled and messy. Towards the end I had nearly made up my mind that I didn't care for Trance; but as the film came to its end I concluded I liked most of what I saw.

This is NOT for everyone; but Boyle fans should give it a watch.