Good Time (Review)

How far would you go to get your brother out of prison? ‘Good Time’ is not a film that stops for a moment and asks but it is certainly driven by it. Robert Pattinson’s ‘Connie’ is a man in the lower socio-economic class of New York City and when his brother, Nick, (co-director, Ben Safdie) is arrested he tries to get him out on bail.

After Twilight Robert Pattinson is not a name most people will rush out to see unless they’re to see his good looks. This is a film you should rush to see, however. After seeing it twice I can truly say that Pattinson disappears into his role. Like any good actor, he doesn’t judge his character, especially as he goes on his journey which he believes is important to his existence on earth. Thankfully his character is the sole reason the movie moves forwards at points and as he reacts to developments around him he pulls off the wit and brains he has. This is a man who clearly loves his brother and we care for this small time criminal as he pulls some questionable moves to evade the police and get his brother out on bail.

His brother, on the other hand, is mentally handicapped. We actually meet him first in an appointment with what we can assume is a psychologist. The questions he’s asked push him emotionally and progress is made in their bond. Connie comes in and the movie starts. Ben Safdie has what I estimate no more than 15-20 minutes of screen time but he uses that time effectively so, later on, we understand the stakes of the film. I am sure Ben Safdie would've had to meet some mentally handicapped people because his performance is stark but it truly packs an emotional punch. Jennifer Jason Leigh also makes an appearance in the film and her third of three scenes in the film expresses a sense of urge that stays with the film until the end. Her line "..the bane of my existence..." is also another one that hangs over the film. With this film and Blade Runner 2049, it shows how Hollywood doesn't know what to do with Barkhad Abdi. He gets some decent screen time here but I want to see more of him.

If you don’t want to see this movie because Robert Pattinson is in it, the script is the next big start of this film. We all love our plot twists at the end of a film. Good Time isn’t one of those but the plot throws enough hurdles at Connie throughout the film to keep us, the audience on our toes along with him. Each hurdle that must be overcome isn’t a cliche and most are just plain genius. With so many blockbusters coming out these days where the characters are only there to save the world, it will be refreshing for an audience to see a character react to his environment, something that doesn't happen apparently when your budget is 100 million+. Once you see the movie you might have a hard time believing what I am about to say but trust me. I am sure that Wes Anderson had an influence on this film. There are some occasional symmetrical frames (this could also be a reference to Kubrick's one-point perspective) but the main influence comes in the structure. The first 20 minutes are introducing the characters and setting up the world. Anderson does this in most of his films. The main part of the film all takes place in one night. Within that one night there is a monologue that gives some background to a character who I won't reveal but after watching it feels like I had just seen another movie. One that would be a perfect fit to make a double header with 'Good Time'.

I previously mentioned this movie takes place in New York City but you wouldn't know that from watching it. Director of Photography Sean Price Williams conveys a claustrophobic New York around Connie even though a wide angle lens is never used as telephoto lenses are used. The use of the longer lenses creates a more creative way of giving the audience intimacy all while keeping a documentary style. He also paints New York like a neo-noir by using greens, reds and purples which look luscious on 35mm film. Thankfully the camera is always on a tripod to make sure the audience knows what they are seeing, despite the image moving quite compulsively at times. You won't see lady liberty or the Chrysler building in this film. Locations like hospitals, amusement parks, fast food restaurants, apartments and a bail bonds office are made use of. If Annie Hall is the daytime New York of the love between man and woman than Good Time is the night time New York of the love between two brothers.

Williams cinematography is perfectly matched with Oneohtrix Point Never's score. If you've listened to any of his music you will know what to expect. His music is experimental and it's a perfect fit for the film. His score is full of grit, just like the streets of New York that are shown. The sound design in this film is a perfect match for not only OPN's score but William's cinematography. Hearing the clothes of characters rustle as they sway from side to side as they act really helps that sense of intimacy that is conveyed.

This is sure to be another cult NYC film in the vein of Dog Day Afternoon, The Royal Tenebaums and Midnight Cowboy. With Pattison's Connie centre stage in this film, he will be held up as a character in the same league as Sonny from Dog Day Afternoon. The film's neon lit NYC is also sure to be a standout film of 2017. It's twists and turns are memorable and I hope other small time filmmakers learn from this film because its lessons in screenwriting and acting are top notch. Along with some of Kirsten Stewart's great performances of late, I am actually glad the Twilight franchise has happened.

Overall Score: 5/5 Stars

What do you think of Good Time?

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Directors: Josh and Ben Safdie

Writers: Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Taliah Webster, Barkhad Abdi with Buddy Duress and Ben Safdie

Score

Cinematography: Sean Price Williams

Editing: Ronald Bronstein and Benny Safdie

Score: Oneohtrix Point Never