RandomReview - Looper (2012)
The premise of Rian Johnson's 2012 sci-fi thriller is an intriguing one. A narrative setting is crafted such to create a question that the director poses to the audience - could you kill your future self?
The world Johnson creates is important to focus on here however, as it is a brilliantly original concept and the futuristic depiction of 2044 America is subtle in such a way that it feels natural, rather than forcing its way into your face to emphasise its time period. The weapons and technology look almost rustic despite how advanced they are, adding a layer of authenticity to the universe created here.
Thankfully, this beautiful depiction is reinforced by a story that is at the same time mind bending and grounded - it plays with concepts of time travel in a way that is challenging but not impossible to come to terms with. Creating this sense of realism is vital in allowing the audience to embrace the story being told. Generally, the film follows a straightforward and engaging plot with a couple of twists near the end which light up the third act and ensure Looper ends strongly.
Key to this strength is the performances of the three main cast members - Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis and Emily Blunt. Gordon-Levitt plays a conflicted Joe who embarks upon a redeeming character arc throughout the film, as he is forced to face the man he becomes in the far future and decide whether his selfish actions are worth their harrowing consequences. It is admittedly unnerving when JGL is on screen for long periods however, as the CGI used to make him more closely resemble Willis is strange and unnatural. It evokes memories of the moustache edited off Cavill's Superman in Justice League, as it distracts the watcher from the film, temporarily removing them from the stylish world Johnson has envisaged.
Willis is given significantly less to do here, serving as a silent antagonist who is driven by the death of his wife to commit to dark deeds as he pursues his wife's killer. His dialogue may be minimal, but Willis adeptly conveys the damaged man Joe has become in the future through body language and changes in mood and tone.
Best of the three however is undoubtedly Emily Blunt's Sara, who provides a layer of depth to the plot in the form of her own personal story. Blunt portrays this damaged yet unflinchingly committed woman in such a way that is believable and even encourages us to have faith in the young Cid, who is a cruel child and destined to become a world dominating dictator in the future. Her emotion at her own failures and resolve to right her wrongs is what ultimately transforms Joe into a selfless hero by the end of the film.
It is a satisfying ending at that - witnessing the loop in a moment of realisation that helps the audience recognise that Old Joe's actions are exactly what triggers the start of Cid's descent into tyranny. The sudden self sacrifice of Young Joe is shocking and effective, providing the perfect climax to a well written and thought provoking futuristic narrative.
Despite a few pacing issues in the middle, Looper succeeds in matching original story-telling to top quality acting and a stunning setting. Modern cinema is packed full of futuristic adventures and attempts and creating new twists on the time-travel trope, thus it is both impressive and exciting that Johnson has achieved something unique and new, able to capture the minds of even the most seasoned sci-fi fan.
RATING 8/10 - AWESOME
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