Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Paranoid Activity: “Allied” is a Grand WWII Romantic Espionage Thriller



This is the easiest way to describe the essence of Robert Zemeckis’ new romantic WWII thriller “Allied:” it’s what “Casablanca” would have been like if Alfred Hitchcock had directed it. I’m more than thrilled that Zemeckis is back directing live action films after a decade long foray into creepy and unsatisfying motion capture animated films. But even his last two efforts “Flight” and “The Walk,” while good, felt like he was still trying to get his cinematic sea legs back. One thing I love so much about Zemeckis’ live action films (besides not disliking ANY of them, a rarity considering there are even Spielberg movies I don’t like) is that he refuses to stay in one genre. How many directors have gone from pulpy action adventure, to time travel fantasy, to animation caper, to western time travel sci-fi, to fantasy black comedy, to epic drama, to space sci-fi, to Hitchcockian supernatural thriller, to survival drama? Zemeckis now puts his spin on the romantic war thrillers of the 1940s in “Allied” with glorious results. Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard are radiant playing against each other in a film brimming with romance and suspense.



The film follows a pretty standard three act structure. First we’re introduced to intelligence officer Max Vatan (Pitt) who’s going undercover in 1942 Morocco. His mission is to team up with French Resistance fighter Marianne Beausejour (Cotillard) - who he’s never met or even seen before - in Casablanca, pose as husband and wife, and assassinate the German ambassador. So these two actually fall in love, to the surprise of no one and get married living the happy life (or as happy as one can be while attempting to survive the Blitz and, you know, a world war). But then Max gets word from above that Marianne may actually be a German spy which throws a slight wrench into their happy ever after.



For some reason I’ve been on a World War II kick and most of the recent films I’ve been enjoying, like 2014’s “Unbroken” have not been all that well received. The slightly old fashioned “Allied” does sort of have that “I’ve sort of seen this thing before” feel to it, but it’s obvious Zemeckis, having never worked in this genre before, was obviously trying to recreate these types of films that were popular in the 40s. The director has always been interested in technology advancements and pushing the medium forward and uses modern filmmaking techniques to tell a somewhat old-fashioned story. It’s easy to see the influences in Steven Knight’s script. But at the same time it’s also refreshing to see a big budget Hollywood movie that’s not based on any previous material or a true story. Zemeckis is truly at his best when he’s working from a script that shows equal parts originality and tribute.



A huge chunk of the success of “Allied” besides its assured direction, interesting story, lush production value, and great Alan Silvestri score is the pair of performances at the film’s center. In a way the movie feels like a strange mix of “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” and “Inglorious Basterds.” Pitt and Cotillard have amazing chemistry. And Cotillard especially gives a nuanced performance. The audience only knows as much as Pitt’s character, who becomes understandably paranoid, so we’re constantly wondering whether she’s actually a spy. The film’s eventual developments aren’t too particularly surprising but suspense is milked for all its worth. The relationship at the core takes its time to develop to the point where you really care about where these people will end up. Not to mention that either could be killed at any moment. And those looking for a period piece romance will certainly enjoy the film’s steamier moments including an automobile tryst complete with a special cameo by the sand storm from “Mad Max: Fury Road.”



“Allied” is a standout big budget Hollywood war drama. It’s fun to see Robert Zemeckis’ take on the genre. His direction is really solid here. He knows how to make a film his own and make it wildly entertaining. Those who are a big fan of 1940s romantic war thrillers will no doubt enjoy this latest entry to the genre. I know I’m certainly happy to see Zemeckis’ return to the live action film world worth the wait.  GRADE: A-

Trailer for Allied on TrailerAddict.

10 comments:

Unknown said...

20170402 junda
coach outlet online coach factory outlet
ray-ban sunglasses
ralph lauren
coach outlet clearance
mulberry handbags
yeezy boost
oakley sunglasses
ray ban sunglasses
giuseppe zanotti outlet
chrome hearts outlet

Unknown said...

nike huarache trainers
ecco shoes outlet
bills jerseys
nike air huarache
under armour outlet
cheap nba jerseys
air max 90
coach outlet
new york giants jerseys
coach outlet
20170411

Unknown said...

nmd
tom ford eyewear
adidas tubular shadow
timberland outlet
nike polo
yeezy boost 350
nike roshe run
kobe shoes
kobe basketball shoes
retro jordans
20170721

Unknown said...

nike air max 2018
nike air zoom pegasus 32
ultra boost
lebron 14
adidas online shop
kobe basketball shoes
cheap jordans
chrome hearts
kobe shoes
pandora jewelry

raybanoutlet001 said...

ralph lauren uk
ugg boots
michael kors uk
christian louboutin shoes
yeezy boost 350 white
cheap ugg boots
ugg outlet
polo ralph lauren
ralph lauren outlet
nike outlet

adidas nmd said...

broncos jerseys
detroit lions jerseys
packers jerseys
nike roshe run
coach outlet store online
cheap jordan shoes
coach outlet
uggs outlet
michael kors handbags
ralph lauren outlet

jeje said...

curry 3
nike air max 90
nike huarache
adidas tubular UK
hermes bag
yeezy
nike air force 1 low
tory burch shoes
air jordan shoes
new england patriots jerseys

Unknown said...

qzz0505
canada goose jackets
christian louboutin outlet
ray ban sunglasses
michael kors handbags
christian louboutin outlet
tory burch outlet
jordan shoes
cheap jordans
coach factory outlet
ugg outlets

Unknown said...

qzz0707
oakley sunglasses
polo ralph lauren
cheap mlb jerseys
bucks jerseys
polo ralph lauren
carrera sunglasses
prada handbags
ugg outlet
canada goose jackets
christian louboutin shoes

QQQQQQQQQ said...

off white clothing
yeezy shoes
timberland boots
adidas ultra boost
longchamp handbags
golden goose sneakers
yeezy boost 350
calvin klein outlet online
moncler outlet
yeezy boost