I really didn’t know what to expect before I saw “The Town.” Sure, I’ve seen the many previews so I had an idea what it was about. What I didn’t expect was the effective way Affleck works both sides of the camera. As the director, he showcases the strong talent of his actors without being self-indulgent and illuminates character without losing the thrilling aspects of the plot. As a star, he gives such a fine performance that you realize he really can act. Affleck is ably supported by Jeremy Renner as Doug’s (Affleck) volatile partner in crime; Jon Hamm as a relentless FBI agent intent on getting his man; Blake Lively as his strung-out ex-girlfriend and Pete Postlethwaite as the neighborhood crime boss. As a drama, “The Town” has what it takes to keep you on the edge of your seat with its car chase through the streets of Boston and its final shootout at Fenway Park.
The town of the title is Charlestown, a blue-collar Boston neighborhood that’s described in the opening as having spawned more robbers of banks and armored trucks than any other place in the country. Doug MacRay (Affleck) and his crew rob banks. When one such heist goes awry, Jem (Renner), Doug’s best friend, takes Claire Keesey (Rebecca Hall), the branch manager hostage, but they let her go unharmed. Fearing that she might be able to identify them, Doug agrees to watch her and an unlikely relationship develops between them. Claire doesn’t know who he is since the robbers wore masks. And for Doug, Claire represents a new start, a way to escape the inevitable prison cell that awaits him. But the highly unpredictable Jem is becoming suspicious of Doug’s feelings for Claire and a zealous FBI agent is just one step behind them. “The Town” is a fast-paced, character-driven heist story that solidifies Affleck’s reputation as both an actor and director. 9/18/10
1 comment:
Perhaps the best film of the year, so far, Ben Affleck could win 2 or 3 Oscars for acting, directing and maybe even best picture. Jeremy Renner is also excelent.
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