In Bruges

“In Bruges” is an interesting character study for two-thirds of the movie. Then director Martin McDonagh resorts to implausible actions and a lot of blood to resolve the conflict. The most absorbing aspect of the plot is the setting and the interaction between hitman Ken (Brendan Gleeson) and his young protégée Ray (Colin Farell). Ray has just botched a hit, resulting in collateral damage and boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes) has sent both of them to Bruges, a historic city in Belgium. While they wait for Harry’s phone call, Ken wants to take advantage of their time to sightsee and soak up the culture while Ray, comparing Bruges to hell, is antsy and eager to leave. It is clear that Ken and Ray are friends despite the fact that Ken may have an ulterior motive for mentoring Ray. Characterization is developed gradually and humorously, with the more mature Ken keeping a firm hand on Ray’s impulsiveness. (And the plot gets a little surreal when Ray encounters a beautiful woman and dwarf involved in making a movie.) However, the tone changes when a volatile Harry, with every other word out of his mouth being the f-word, arrives on the scene. The movie absolutely falls apart when the shooting starts. The acting is first-rate although Colin Farrell is not my favorite. And Fiennes plays a creepy character similar to his more famous villain: Voldemort in the Harry Potter series. As a travel film promoting Bruges, “In Bruges” is successful. As a dramatic movie, it is less so. (3/2/08)