A satisfying slowburn
Well-written script, solid story, and great cinematography elevate the movie's appeal
Crime thrillers are often characterized by high-octane car chases and unrelenting action to be effective. They need to have elaborate storylines that will push its characters to the limits to pull off a satisfying end. But that doesn't apply every time. Not all heist movies need to be full throttle to engage its audience. Sometimes, all it needs is a sturdy script, clean editing, and a stellar cast. Such is the case for writer-director Bart Layton's Crime 101.
In the movie, Chris Hemsworth plays Mike Davis, a jewelry thief who isn't like most thieves. He is meticulous, efficient, almost obsessive-compulsive, and effective. He is slick.
Every move is calculated. He has contingencies in case things go awry.
He is smooth. He moves deliberately, not in haste nor slow. He possesses the confidence of a man who knows that things are going to go according to plan. And even when things do go wrong, you won't see him sweating. He springs to action like he's on autopilot. He's the perfect thief: cool, calm, collected. Not to mention unassuming, which makes him unsuspicious.
The best part is: he doesn't hurt anyone when he is working.
Crime 101 is interesting because it takes its sweet 'ol time. It is a slowburn. Don't expect this to go from 0 to 120 mph. The movie is in no rush at all. Which is part of the reason why it works so much because it is not trying to impress its audience. It simply is telling a story the best way it knows how: as naturally paced as possible.
As a viewer, you'd definitely appreciate that because it gives you enough time to know the characters and understand their motivations. Plus, it doesn't result in scenes that feel like they were put there to provide a convenient excuse for how certain things turn out.
Since this is a crime movie, that trait becomes very handy. Nothing ruins a crime thriller than plot points that weren't established enough. Here, each scene was a build up for the next. It allows audiences to feel like they're also there alongside the characters when things unravel.
The plot is pretty straightforward. And the script allowed for enough time to establish the motivations behind the anti-hero's actions, as well as the supporting characters'.
It's established early on who the players are and what they want to get in life. Halle Berry plays Sharon Combs, a disgruntled insurance broker who plays by the rules and suddenly finds herself entangled in Mike's plans. She's self-made and driven. But she lives in a world that doesn't value her worth, so she finds herself at a crossroads.
Mark Ruffalo is Lou Lubesnick, a detective who has the right instincts but is undermined by a crooked system. He knows that the series of high-end robberies is the work of one person but he doesn't have the support he needs to pursue the case. Their lives soon become entangled with one another. Once the movie gets to the point where these three are in each others' paths, it's already clear to the audience who they are and why they behave the way they do.
There's no major plot hole that usually begs the question "how the fuck did that happen?" simply because each character was written well. The dialogue is sharp. No extensive expositions that attempt to overexplain things to make it easier for the viewers. It doesn't dumb things down either. It gives audiences space to see, hear, and feel event unravel before them.
Crime 101 is also technically impressive. The use of chiaroscuro here and there added to the neo-noir feel of the movie. The cinematography (by Erik Wilson) is easily one of the best things about the film as well. The car chases are not difficult to watch; the shots are smooth, almost fluid. The overhead shots of the LA cityscape especially at night were great too.
That opening (and closing) shot of the movie was also interesting. It foreshadowed events in the movie and hinted to audiences the state of mind of each character. The editing was good as well. One scene early in the movie where Hemsworth's character was shown walking out the door intercut with Ruffalo walking into a bathroom was a nice touch.
Choices like these add to the movie's slick appeal. While the story isn't entirely exceptional, it is well-written. The technical aspects are commendable. And when you take into consideration the star power this movie has, it definitely elevates its appeal.
Crime 101 is now showing in cinemas.
Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, Barry Keoghan, Mark Ruffalo, Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Nick Nolte
Directed by Bart Layton
Written by Bart Layton
Run time: 139 minutes
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
MTRCB rating: R-13
