Source - Prime Video
The only two things I knew about this film before watching it were 1. It stars Robert Pattinson and 2. It's an A24 Production. And these two things proved enough to make up my mind about what kind of film this was going to be, fortunately, my expectations were exceeded when the name Safdie appeared onscreen.
Introduction
Film: Good Time
Director: Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie
Genre: Thriller, Crime
Duration: 01h 40m
Screenplay: Josh Safdie, Ronald Bronstein
Cast: Robert Pattinson, Benny Safdie, Buddy Duress
Language: English
Plot Synopsis: No Spoilers!
After a botched bank robbery lands his younger brother in prison, Connie Nikas embarks on a twisted odyssey through New York City's underworld to get his brother Nick out of jail.
Film Review
For a simple plotline of a bank robbery gone wrong, 'Good Time' packs a punch with its ability to take the audience through a roller coaster ride of emotions and razor-sharp plot developments.
The narrative structure is well-tied and gets more and more interesting with the introduction of multiple conflicts. The way tiny conflicts are added in the relatively large scheme of events, a sense of unease is built progressively throughout the course of the film which successfully makes the viewing experience engaging and enticing.
The Safdie Brothers' production is ironically titled Good Times by keeping in mind the fact that none of the characters on screen have a good time, but the audience does.
There's a fascinating reason behind this choice i.e. the audience is not really rooting for anyone in the film, not even the protagonist (despite the fact that it is a protagonist-pov-driven film), in fact, the masses just don't want to watch the characters get into more trouble than they're already in out of almost a feeling of pity and not compassion.
This emotion evoked in the audience points towards another fascinating thought: 'Good Time' is not a film that wants to teach you something or leave a morally sound thought with you. It just exists in all its dirt like any other indie film focused on the rawness of each character and situation.
This film in some capacity takes the burden of moral responsibility and judgment away as you watch these beat-up characters make questionable choices and face the consequences for their actions.
There aren't many themes explored in depth in the film except that of crime, family, and escaping 'bad times'. The tone and pace of the film are not too rushed or too slow.
The linear timeline helps in establishing the element of time and takes us through the entire plot with almost no jump cuts which enhances the realism and elevates the engagement, as well.
Some of the most noticeable technical aspects that manage to shine through include an intoxicating color palette with a special emphasis on neon-bright shades and an upbeat background score. These aspects communicate the most owing to the significant level of contrast they offer to the pretty grim plot.
It is crucial to note, however, that these visual and sound elements don't make the characters appear admirable in even a single shot. The purpose of these elements is to not let the gravitas of the situation meddle with the psyche of the characters as it probably would have with someone making sound decisions.
Another great aspect of the film, if not the best, is the stellar performance by Robert Pattinson in the role of Connie Nikas.
Pattinson portrays the low-life, narcissistic, manipulative yet caring character with such ease that it makes it impossible for the masses to take their eyes off of him for even a hot second.
Perhaps the only shortcoming that irked me a little was the fact that the ending didn't really feel conclusive in any way. The resolve that followed the spine-chilling climax wasn't strong enough to give the satisfaction of any form of closure.
My favorite aspects of the film include the raw and unhinged reality of the urban underworld showcased in the film and the fact that the realism captured in the narrative doesn't escape the truth of life i.e. you can't get away with crime in a society so heavily invested in monitoring and judging every single wrong deed done by mankind.
The Bottom Line
'Good Time' features mind-blowing performances and interesting plot transgressions that keep you longing for more. Be sure to give this one a watch if you want to experience the thrill of the urban crime world.
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
Watch Now on: Mubi
Written By: Janshi
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