Review of Trance (2013) by Jenny C — 15 Nov 2013

A trippy display of quick cut scenes intertwined with slanted angles, lens flares, and distorted images, Boyle's cinematic style "mesmerizes" the viewers, even distracting them from the clever puzzle pieces that he has sprinkled throughout the script.

Posed as a typical playful art heist thriller, this film is much more complex, sprinkled with layers of deception, leaving the viewer unsure of what is reality or a dream. Through hypnotism, sexuality, and violence, the leads (who all brilliantly walk the line of power and helplessness) take their turns in deceiving each other, making the line of villain and victim blurred.

Sex and nudity are used as a tool not only to hypnotize the viewer, making the audience blink long enough to realize the missed references to classic art. On first watch, the viewer is dragged through a thrilling, distorting kaleidoscope.

On second viewing, you realize Boyle's genius, as each shot and character's flinch is deliberate in revealing this tale. But, if you're too busy being captivated by the swirling cinematography and rhythmic soundtrack, you might miss it.

Even if you allow yourself to believe some of the great claims the movie makes about hypnotism, you're still sometimes forced to question the character's motives and consistency. However, as a cinematic puzzle, it's entrancingly brilliant.