Sicario Review
RYAN: Sicario is by director Denis Villeneuve, who did Prisoners, which was great; and Enemy, which was horrendous but I won’t hold that against him here. I enjoyed the performances in this film. It’s not as much of an action film as the trailer leads you to believe. There’s a calm intensity to it; but I was was very frustrated and confused by this film.
ERIK: I liked this movie. I’m a fan of this director. He does powerful visuals.
RYAN: He really gives you the lay of the land. There are lots of shots straight down at the earth.
ERIK: And there’s a sweeping, constant hum, or drone, in the soundtrack. It’s almost hypnotic and that combined with the visuals, in the context of the movie, makes you feel like it’s building up to something horrible.
RYAN: You’re always on edge and that is to do with his shots and the sound design. Even in scenes where there’s no violence, you do feel off. I was frustrated because you identify with Emily Blunt’s character and she’s kept in the dark for much of it. I would have liked to know what was happening a lot sooner in this movie. I became a bit impatient. I was confused for much of this movie about what was going on.
ERIK: This movie does ask a bit of the audience to infer, sometimes. It may help if you know a bit of the history between Mexico and Columbia before going in. In terms of emotions, anyone can relate to what’s going on.
RYAN: Exactly and if you’re identifying with Emily in this movie, you’re frustrated.
ERIK: That works. Using her as your point of view in the movie, you feel like you’re unraveling a seedy mystery. It’s a descent into corruption.
RYAN: Yes. I wasn’t clear about that all the while. Even when it’s revealed what’s going on, I was still uncertain of facts. But I remember also feeling frustrated by the character in Prisoners.
ERIK: Yes this director is consistent that way. He likes to make you uncomfortable. You doubt what is good and evil. You’re sort of dubious the whole time. It just says “this is the way it is.” Nothing is black and white.
RYAN: Right. I did like the theme about whether or not official branches of the FBI, CIA, etc… are doing things by the book or off the record. I’m sure so much more goes on than we’ll ever know, or would want to know.
ERIK: The meat and potatoes of this movie are the themes.
RYAN: It’s not really what I expected it to be because the trailer makes it look more action-y. But it’s a lot slower. It’s very well paced. I was never bored but I definitely felt a couple times that they could move things along. It’s artfully done.
ERIK: It’s very deliberate. I thought a couple of the shots were brilliant, in storytelling, because of all the different characters you see within it. The movie shows differences in cultures around the border area. People live in all different environments. It’s also disturbing.
RYAN: I found it disturbing that much of the corruption and terror takes place in the US, not only across the border. We’re all up in it. I’m on the cusp of rating this Rent it versus See it. But I love Emily Blunt who does a great Ameraccent.
ERIK: Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro are awesome – especially Benicio. He’s very unique in this. There’s witty dialogue but you’re still very uncomfortable in every scene.
RYAN: It’s a crime, mystery thriller and it’s a slow burn – not a feel good movie but good, R-rated storytelling.
