Knives Out - Early Screening Review
Rian Johnson, writer and director of Looper and the famously controversial Star Wars: The Last Jedi, returns to the big screen with a new film, a murder mystery entitled Knives Out.
The base plot is simple, a family gathers together to celebrate their father/grandfather's 85th birthday, the next morning he is discovered dead and foul play is assumed, due to the dead man's incredible wealth. However, what is shown is decidedly the opposite of simple, with alibis, accusations and motives abounding, any of the family could be the murderer.
Where Johnson's genius shines, in his portrayal of what is an admittedly well worn story, is in his structuring of the telling of said story. Most 'Whodunnit's' have a tried and tested formula; the murder is discovered, the characters are introduced, their alibis (or rather alib-lies) are established, the detective discovers a lot of hidden truths, a red herring is involved and finally the crucial piece of evidence is found and everyone assembles for the recap of how the crime was committed and the unveiling of the true murderer. However, Johnson, whilst utilising many of these stages in his narrative, turns the concepts on their head by revealing the 'events' of the murder only a half hour in. After that, the entirety of the film is less about discovering who the murderer is, but rather on uncovering the larger plot surrounding the murder.
The majority of the film's success in being a compelling movie is in the clever narrative and its scripting. The way humour is utilised to disarm both the characters and the audience at certain points throughout the film really captures the feeling of a family at odds with one another, not to mention the surreal moment when you hear Captain America telling people to "eat shit."
As such, it is only fitting to say that whilst the film is exceptional from a narrative standpoint, it truly is the cast which brings out the best in what Rian Johnson wrote. Daniel Craig in the role of disarming yet extremely competent Private Investigator is a treat. His comedic timing, coupled with the dry tone of his excellent Southern American accent makes him a delight to watch, especially in his big scene narrating the true events of the murder he is investigating. Likewise, Chris Evans in his first major role following his tenure as Marvel's Captain America, proves his acting chops as the debonair black sheep of the family. Evans' full acting range is on display in this role and he truly does shine, despite coming into the film over an hour in. However, the biggest triumph of the film is Ana De Armas. Her character is a delight to watch throughout the entirety of the film, her emotional range making her the most compelling and increasingly sympathetic character amongst the snide and snooty white, upper class characters of the rest of the family. There is so much talent involved in this film, yet these were the performances which stood out the most in my opinion.
From a directorial standpoint the film is also a joy. From the opening moments wherein a single character is followed through the length of the house, to the multitudinous flashbacks showing the events of the party through different character's recollections, every shot is necessary. Yet somehow, or maybe because of the necessity, every shot is beautiful, with the first and last shots coming full circle and focusing on the same object.
Of course, the film isn't perfect. There is of course a red herring moment, as there always is in a murder mystery narrative. However whilst the ending makes sense and does not blindside the audience, the red herring moment feels out of place. As if Johnson was just fulfilling the tropes of a conventional murder mystery and felt as though he had to include a red herring. It may just be a personal feeling, but for me I felt that it was not treated well and slowed down the pacing of the film.
That said, I truly believe Johnson has breathed new life into the classic 'Whodunnit' with Knives Out, from his ingenious scripting right down to the tiniest throwaway lines. Knives Out is a modern classic as far as I am concerned and certainly a film that anyone with even a passing interest in mysteries, murder, film or even just Chris Evans' shoulders, should see.
The base plot is simple, a family gathers together to celebrate their father/grandfather's 85th birthday, the next morning he is discovered dead and foul play is assumed, due to the dead man's incredible wealth. However, what is shown is decidedly the opposite of simple, with alibis, accusations and motives abounding, any of the family could be the murderer.
Where Johnson's genius shines, in his portrayal of what is an admittedly well worn story, is in his structuring of the telling of said story. Most 'Whodunnit's' have a tried and tested formula; the murder is discovered, the characters are introduced, their alibis (or rather alib-lies) are established, the detective discovers a lot of hidden truths, a red herring is involved and finally the crucial piece of evidence is found and everyone assembles for the recap of how the crime was committed and the unveiling of the true murderer. However, Johnson, whilst utilising many of these stages in his narrative, turns the concepts on their head by revealing the 'events' of the murder only a half hour in. After that, the entirety of the film is less about discovering who the murderer is, but rather on uncovering the larger plot surrounding the murder.
The majority of the film's success in being a compelling movie is in the clever narrative and its scripting. The way humour is utilised to disarm both the characters and the audience at certain points throughout the film really captures the feeling of a family at odds with one another, not to mention the surreal moment when you hear Captain America telling people to "eat shit."
As such, it is only fitting to say that whilst the film is exceptional from a narrative standpoint, it truly is the cast which brings out the best in what Rian Johnson wrote. Daniel Craig in the role of disarming yet extremely competent Private Investigator is a treat. His comedic timing, coupled with the dry tone of his excellent Southern American accent makes him a delight to watch, especially in his big scene narrating the true events of the murder he is investigating. Likewise, Chris Evans in his first major role following his tenure as Marvel's Captain America, proves his acting chops as the debonair black sheep of the family. Evans' full acting range is on display in this role and he truly does shine, despite coming into the film over an hour in. However, the biggest triumph of the film is Ana De Armas. Her character is a delight to watch throughout the entirety of the film, her emotional range making her the most compelling and increasingly sympathetic character amongst the snide and snooty white, upper class characters of the rest of the family. There is so much talent involved in this film, yet these were the performances which stood out the most in my opinion.
From a directorial standpoint the film is also a joy. From the opening moments wherein a single character is followed through the length of the house, to the multitudinous flashbacks showing the events of the party through different character's recollections, every shot is necessary. Yet somehow, or maybe because of the necessity, every shot is beautiful, with the first and last shots coming full circle and focusing on the same object.
Of course, the film isn't perfect. There is of course a red herring moment, as there always is in a murder mystery narrative. However whilst the ending makes sense and does not blindside the audience, the red herring moment feels out of place. As if Johnson was just fulfilling the tropes of a conventional murder mystery and felt as though he had to include a red herring. It may just be a personal feeling, but for me I felt that it was not treated well and slowed down the pacing of the film.
That said, I truly believe Johnson has breathed new life into the classic 'Whodunnit' with Knives Out, from his ingenious scripting right down to the tiniest throwaway lines. Knives Out is a modern classic as far as I am concerned and certainly a film that anyone with even a passing interest in mysteries, murder, film or even just Chris Evans' shoulders, should see.
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