Movie Review - Trance (2013)

A new film by director Danny Boyle can be seen a mile off. The hyperkinetic visuals, thumping soundtrack and lightning pace have all been evident right from his debut, the disturbingly gruesome Shallow Grave. However, each film is completely different in terms of genre and story; everything from science fiction horror in Sunshine, to the triumph of the human spirit in Slumdog Millionaire. Trance is no different, seeming to draw more from the work of Christopher Nolan, than any of Boyle’s own back catalogue.

That’s not to say Trance is a cheap, Inception knock-off. Far from it. Instead of the tightly structured discipline of Nolan’s script, Boyle, along with writer’s John Hodge and Joe Ahearne, has created something a lot rougher round the edges. This is not a bad thing as the main strength of Trance is the confusion surrounding whether we are actually in Simon’s head or the real world. One particularly shocking moment is almost Lynchian in the blurring of these boundaries.  

The first thirty minutes or so is actually fairly conventional. The cocksure and ever-so-slightly smug James McAvoy (a real stretch of him then?), explains to the audience the history surrounding art robbery, his job as a member of the security staff, as well as the inherent difficulties faced in the modern world of high-tech security and surveillance.  We’re helpfully shown how a robbery might actually take place, as well as the measures taken to prevent the criminals from achieving their goal. Sure enough, when the robbery does go down, it all goes wrong when Simon ignores one of the many rules he so rigorously went through five minutes earlier.   

Simon’s act of heroism causes him to be given a nasty bump on the head. However, we later find out that he wasn't just one of the security staff; he was the man on the inside. Unhelpfully, he’s hidden the painting, but can’t remember where; much to the annoyance of his boss Franck, who very much expected to be in possession of said painting. After discovering that torture isn't going to help Simon break out of his amnesia, Franck enlists the help of a hypnotist. Quickly, she manages to work out something is not quite right, and promptly joins the gang to help uncover these lost memories of Simon’s.

It’s from this point on where the film really kicks into gear. While the set-up is entertaining enough, it’s fairly standard heist-genre stuff. Nothing wrong with that of course, but we've come to expect more from a director of Boyle’s calibre. Sure enough, we get our money’s worth over the next hour, as the tricks to getting into Simon’s mind become increasingly convoluted and strange. To say anymore would be to spoil things, but let’s just say, those in the back will need to pay attention.

That’s not to say that you should ruin your enjoyment by constantly trying to keep up with events and attempting to work out what’s going on. Let the plot wash over you and get caught up in the strange, labyrinthine plot. This is popcorn entertainment and should be treated as such. That said, the plot does tie itself up a little too neatly with a very exposition heavy back-end. Considering the majority of the film has used the visuals, rather than the dialogue, to move events along, this is disappointing.

In the end however, it’s the performances, rather than the twisty plot, which carry the film. James McAvoy delivers a career best performance, his arrogance actually serving him well for a change, as it slowly gives way to absolute desperation. And while Rosario Dawson is equally impressive, it’s Vincent Cassel who steals the show, with a surprisingly internal and quiet performance. Considering he’s been playing mad, crazy foreign guys for the past few years, it’s good to see him deliver a proper performance outside of his native country.

Trance is not Boyle’s best film, due to a sticky third act and a slightly ordinary beginning, but keep with it and you’ll be entertained and maybe a little surprised. Career best performances from the three leads also help to elevate it above its schlocky roots.

Flickering Myth Rating - Film: ★ ★ ★   / Movie: ★ ★ ★