The Drop
Dir: Michaël R. Roskam
2014
****
Michaël R. Roskam follows up his provocative 2011 Bullhead with an equally quirky but stylish thriller. It's clear that Roskam has no time for formula, I thought Bullhead came close to what I think he wanted to achieve but The Drop certainly gets it right. Just when you think The Drop is going to descend into a convoluted crime drama full of cliche and hi-jinks, it lightens itself of any shackles and gets on with the story. It isn't a new idea as such, the scenario, characters and situation are nothing we haven't seen before but the order is different. This is what Roskam does best, he takes all the same jigsaw pieces and then makes a totally different picture to the one that's on the box. It's rather unique as thrillers go and is a refreshing change of pace. It's also a fitting last film for the brilliant James Gandolfini who died of a heart-attack before the film's release, as his character was what he was known for classically and his performance was effortless. Tom Hardy was very convincing in the lead role and Matthias schoenaert was exceptional in his supporting role, both actors going from strength to strength. Noomi Rapace is also impressive, The Drop being the first film in a long time she's felt right in. The direction is stylishly demure which gives off an eerie hopelessness that is also strangely comforting in a matter-of-fact way. Alternative but subtle, hopefully the beginning of a trend.

Bullhead (Rundskop)
Dir: Michaël R. Roskam
2011
***
Michaël R. Roskam's Bullhead is both stylish and shocking in places but is ultimately let down by a meandering pace. It is provocative from the outset and throws many contrasting elements into the mix, giving the overall film an aggressive overtone, almost as if it is there to challenge formula and the industry, rather than to entertain a wider audience. I think it's a very intelligent film and the techniques and ideas Roskam uses are right to be praised but for me it didn't have the pull it should have had and for every one great idea, there were about three predictable and somewhat cliched scenes. However, there are a few scenes in particular that make it well worth watching, many questions are raised without being answered which might put a few people off but I thought the script, that leaves a lot to interpretation, was perfect.