Martin McDonagh returns after the incredible success of his oscar-winning short Six Shooter (2004). If you haven't already, check it out as soon as possible via rental, download or the occasional showing on Film Four. Born in Camberwell, McDonagh seems the likely choice to continue where Guy Ritchie sadly left us. Not just the guns and gags but also the adept multi-stranded narrative structure used so proficiently in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) and Snatch (2000) yet used so carelessly in Revolver (2005) and RocknRolla (2008) (let's not mention the one with his wife).When their last job goes horribly wrong hit men Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson) are sent to Bruges for an unscheduled extended break. Why Bruges? Well, because London boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes) said so, that’s why. The idyllic setting is a childhood memory of his and he’s hoping some of its charm will wear off on the young corruptible Ray. Bruges does look stunning and distinctly surreal in a Lynchian kind-of-way. Eigil Bryld’s cinematography and the Coen's regular composer Carter Burwell meld perfectly to fulfill Harry’s description of a fairy-tale city.
McDonagh’s grasp on efficient story telling is faultless, an essential trait for feature length but arguably more so for short films. Ken’s pocketful of coins, the overweight American and a school uniform are integral plot points, there is no space for MacGuffins here. Significantly all of these are played out visually and for this reason, the exposition is effortless.
This could be the beginning of a canon for McDonagh, as the sole writer this film continues very much in the same tone as Six-Shooter. The same brand of humour is intact too and it is seriously funny. Whether McDonagh targets dwarves or Dutch prostitutes, all are dealt with equally and delivered to perfection by both cast (albeit mostly Farrell) and editor (Jon Gregory). It is a very welcome non-PC breath of fresh air.
A must see film of the year.
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