Trance

\




                                                           

                Much like Forrest Gump’s chocolates, when it comes to Danny Boyle films you never know what are you’re going to get. Could be a cult classic like “Trainspotting” or “28 Days Later” or almost masterpieces like “Millions” and “Sunshine” then there’s the movie you can’t quite figure out like “The Beach”. The thing you can always count is a very stylistic film with an amazing soundtrack. Boyle has been on a good roll lately with his films, so where will his latest “Trance” fall in line, when it comes to his diverse filmography?

                Boyle has reteamed with writer John Hodge, who wrote many of Boyle’s early films, like “Shallow Grave” and “Trainspotting”. Hodge based his script on a 2001 TV movie by the same name written by Joe Ahearne. The story is about an art auctioneer named Simon (James McAvoy), who may or may not have had a hand in a crime involving a valuable piece of art. Simon does not know because he can’t remember what happened after receiving a blow to the head. The robbery is lead by Frank (Vincent Cassel), who with the help of his crew, try and steal a twenty seven million dollar painting. Frank tries to make Simon remember where the painting is, but to no avail. The idea though is to use hypnotism to help him recall his memory. Simon picks a hypnotist randomly and selects Elizabeth (Rosario Dawson) who devises a plan that would help everyone get what they want.

          “Trance” is one of those movies where things don’t seem what they are always. It is not a confusing movie, but it likes to keep you confused as its main character on what is going on. The film uses time as a tool to tell you an interesting story of love, hate, and greed. What Boyle does best is what makes the tale even better; combining his visual style with a great music, “Trance” always looks and sounds good as it weaves its tale. McAvoy and Cassel both do a good job of masking what they are, but Dawson steals the show, as a very seductive hypnotist, who you could listen to talk for hours.  “Trance” is one of those movies that will have you talking afterwards with your friends, comparing notes on what they saw and what they think they saw. This film will fit nicely next to Boyle’s better films and may be better appreciated as the years go by. With so many films coming out every year, you should enjoy the ones that try to be different, this is one of those films and in the end, and this one is sure to en-trance you.

 Brian Taylor