David AllsoppReview: The Guard (2011)
August 30th 2011 03:52
The Guard (2011)
Written and Directed by John Michael McDonagh.
Brendan Gleeson – one of those actors who is always good, even in smaller supporting roles – gives a stellar performance in a film that is both darkly dramatic and bitingly funny.
Sgt. Gerry Boyle (Brendan Gleeson) is a no-nonsense policeman in Ireland’s West Country. He loves his job, and is good at what he does – if at times very unorthodox in his methods. When Boyle uncovers a murder his investigation soon becomes entwined with that of American FBI agent Wendell Everett (Don Cheadle), who is out to bring down a drug-trafficking syndicate thought to be planning a huge shipment of cocaine along the Irish coast. When it becomes evident the two crimes are linked, Boyle and Everett must put aside any differences and combine forces to see justice done.
If the above synopsis sounds like a cliché buddy-cop movie, don’t let that put you off. That story is just the framework that gives the film it’s structure. It’s the basic components of the meal. What’s makes this dish special is the exquisite flavours that come from the characters, dialogue, direction and especially the performances – layering underneath all the standard tropes a web of outstanding characters, and stemming from the characters comes the great sense of humour. This is one very funny film, both laconic and dark in it’s humour.
John Michael McDonagh (brother of In Bruges’ Martin McDonagh) makes his directing debut here, and the character of Gerry Boyle is a truly great creation. There are so many aspects and levels to this character that as each layer gets revealed we feel even more compelled to see and know more. Lest you think otherwise, let me point out that this film is not a one-trick pony. Every character in the film is interesting and has that element that makes them really come to life. Liam Cunningham, Mark Strong and David Wilmot combine humour and menace to present captivating villains that you almost wish had their own film, and Don Cheadle (also a producer on the film) is like a great Jazz musician – supporting and playing off the performance of others to create some fine work. But towering above them all is the performance of Brendan Gleeson.
He’s an unconventional leading man to be sure, but Gleeson has such great screen presence and charisma that it makes me wish he would be in the lead role much more often. As I’ve mentioned before, there are many layers to Gerry Boyle and Gleeson is so good I wanted the film to continue long past it’s conclusion. Can we say this is Gleeson’s finest role? It certainly helps when it’s a role that was obviously written for him and that you can’t imagine anyone else playing, but ultimately I’d have to reserve judgment in that regard because if this film is any kind of indicator Gleeson seems to be going from strength to strength - maturing like a fine wine.
All I can say is that I hope both McDonagh brothers continue to make their films for a long time, and if they continue to feature Brendan Gleeson in a leading role I will be a very happy film-goer indeed.
Four and a half Irish Bananas out of Five.
Written and Directed by John Michael McDonagh.
Brendan Gleeson – one of those actors who is always good, even in smaller supporting roles – gives a stellar performance in a film that is both darkly dramatic and bitingly funny.
Sgt. Gerry Boyle (Brendan Gleeson) is a no-nonsense policeman in Ireland’s West Country. He loves his job, and is good at what he does – if at times very unorthodox in his methods. When Boyle uncovers a murder his investigation soon becomes entwined with that of American FBI agent Wendell Everett (Don Cheadle), who is out to bring down a drug-trafficking syndicate thought to be planning a huge shipment of cocaine along the Irish coast. When it becomes evident the two crimes are linked, Boyle and Everett must put aside any differences and combine forces to see justice done.
If the above synopsis sounds like a cliché buddy-cop movie, don’t let that put you off. That story is just the framework that gives the film it’s structure. It’s the basic components of the meal. What’s makes this dish special is the exquisite flavours that come from the characters, dialogue, direction and especially the performances – layering underneath all the standard tropes a web of outstanding characters, and stemming from the characters comes the great sense of humour. This is one very funny film, both laconic and dark in it’s humour.
John Michael McDonagh (brother of In Bruges’ Martin McDonagh) makes his directing debut here, and the character of Gerry Boyle is a truly great creation. There are so many aspects and levels to this character that as each layer gets revealed we feel even more compelled to see and know more. Lest you think otherwise, let me point out that this film is not a one-trick pony. Every character in the film is interesting and has that element that makes them really come to life. Liam Cunningham, Mark Strong and David Wilmot combine humour and menace to present captivating villains that you almost wish had their own film, and Don Cheadle (also a producer on the film) is like a great Jazz musician – supporting and playing off the performance of others to create some fine work. But towering above them all is the performance of Brendan Gleeson.
He’s an unconventional leading man to be sure, but Gleeson has such great screen presence and charisma that it makes me wish he would be in the lead role much more often. As I’ve mentioned before, there are many layers to Gerry Boyle and Gleeson is so good I wanted the film to continue long past it’s conclusion. Can we say this is Gleeson’s finest role? It certainly helps when it’s a role that was obviously written for him and that you can’t imagine anyone else playing, but ultimately I’d have to reserve judgment in that regard because if this film is any kind of indicator Gleeson seems to be going from strength to strength - maturing like a fine wine.
All I can say is that I hope both McDonagh brothers continue to make their films for a long time, and if they continue to feature Brendan Gleeson in a leading role I will be a very happy film-goer indeed.
Four and a half Irish Bananas out of Five.
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