Film review flawless 200711/13/2023 (He played Arjen Rudd, the evil African diplomat in Lethal Weapon II) Flawless has a good feel for the times, in reference to the setting, clothing, dialogue, etc. We get nice supporting work from the always devilish Lambert Wilson, who we all remember as The Merovingian from The Matrix Reloaded, as the internal investigator and from Joss Ackland as one of London Diamond's heads and who is a powerfully menacing figure. He is sweet, old and can barely walk, but his history (which does not include training for a career in janitorial work) makes him a formidable foe. That "male" of course being Michael Caine, who is solid as always and makes for a very atypical criminal which is part of the films charm. She always seems unwilling and bitchy, which could be partly due to the stark contrast between Moore and her male counterpart's composure and cool. The problem with her character is not with Moore's performance but with how she is presented unsympathetic and shrill. Demi Moore has never been much of an actress, but despite her slipping English accent, she gives probably her best performance to date, fading into her role, and for once, playing a character that looks their age. (In addition to the fact that she learns she will be terminated shortly) Using their opposite shift work and positions to their advantage, they plan to steal enough diamonds to live their lives out in comfort. Still coping with the loss of his wife, he recruits the help of American Laura Quinn (Demi Moore), who is a sour senior administrator sour because she has been passed up for promotion one too many times. Set in 60's London, we meet Michael Caine, who plays janitor "Mr Hobbs", a 15-year veteran employee of the largest supplier of diamonds at the time, The London Diamond Corporation. Flawless manages to incorporate wisps' of both these narrative flows, and is better off because of it. Most heist films either follow a straightforward narrative, where we follow key characters as they assemble their teams, and carry out the theft or, the other broad characterization is to opt for a scattered chronology, beginning with the hero in prison, where their fate is (sometimes) certain. But as such, Flawless never rips of any of these films, and instead, combines a number of classic elements to create a riveting and original picture. It also has elements of Pay it Forward, numerous cat and mouse thrillers, even a scene reminiscent of the opening monologue of Titanic. This film has similar political views to that of Blood Diamond, and such morals are imbedded into multiple facets of the story. The opening sequence is a hybrid of Blood Diamond and Lord of War, showing the journey of a diamond from a muddy African field to a throne atop a ladies dainty finger. Similarly to The Bank Job, Flawless concentrates more on atmosphere and character development then flashy drawn out robbery sequences, although that can most defiantly be rewarding, as seen in The Italian Job. Directed by Michael Radford, who has had little mainstream acknowledgment, (save perhaps the star studded Merchant of Venice) makes his shove into the limelight with a film although never destined to make the big bucks, hopefully at least will be sought out by some. With The Bank Job, and now with Flawless, this could mark the beginning of a revamp of all capper films to follow. That little slice of the celluloid pie (mmmm, sounds good) belongs to the British heist flick. This year, with so far a fairly disappointing turnout of high calibre movies, a very narrow niche has been reinvigorated. Flawless? Not Quite, but it is certainly a little heist gem.
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