PrimeWire

I know it’s a remake, but I did not expect to be blown away by this. I knew it would be good but I didn’t think it would be great. If you’re not a fan of old film noir you may not be as into this as I was. That said, never have I felt so close to being 16 years old again, “discovering” how exciting this film genre was. It felt so Bogie and Bacall (and yes, Tyrone Powers) but in such a refreshingly modern way. The snow itself was a supporting role and just gorgeously filmed. The selective color styling throughout was also really a thing of beauty. And Cooper knocked it out of the park. I feel like a fool for never seeing the vintage Hollywood glam in his looks before this role and it’s in no small part due to his efforts. A female can be transformed with makeup and wardrobe, but when it comes to vintage a male really has to work at it and Bradley made it look effortless. Although clearly more graphic than an old black and white movie, it was pulled off with the same period appropriate, gritty desperation as the classics. If I had any complaints, I would say that Ms. Mara’s character wasn’t really necessary. You could have replaced her with literally anyone and it’s a waste of her talent. I feel she was made to take too much of a back seat for literally the entire movie. However, evil as she was, Blanchett was truly a Bacall to Cooper’s Bogie. Watch this movie. If you’re not a fan of film noir you will be by the end of this movie. I feel a black & white binge coming on.