remixed 80's film noir 2.5 edition

Rating: 9/10 (1 April 2012)

I felt compelled to write a review for this movie, despite using IMDb for nearly 5 years and never registering.
This is one of the most unorthodox movies I've seen in a while, especially in holloywood stock.
The editing is very surprising. the establishing shot/reshot was unorthodox in reference to to the characters blocking. Instead the cinematography could be compared to a Ken Burns documentary style of slowly zooming in on a frame with a lullaby type contrast. Characters always seem to be blocked in full with each other, none of that using stand-in's to read lines with crap, altho I'm sure they used it, but the point is you don't get that feel. The characters are always in close proximity with each other leading the viewer to follow the action/drama smoothly. Couple that technique with retro-modern 80's synth-laced soundtrack, a setting in a post modern LA underground crime circle, the main characters' retro-throw back scorpion windbreaker jacket; and the time of day always seems to either be night or late afternoon; kinda like a lazy drift feel; it gives you goosebumps in some scenes.
I've seen this plot before in other movies and the dialog confuses me. Not that the dialog is not logical, but the emphasis of less is more when comes to words in this movie. A lot of 5-10 sec frames of just facial expressions. To be honest, this movie dialog is prolly less than 25 pages long, yet it does not hinder the story at all and in some cases improves the ambiance of the scenes.
All in all, there are a few "c'mon" moments when you think thats not how real shady crime deals go down, but this is a very pleasant and surprisingly entertaining movie. I love the flow of it. There will be nice laid back moments and all of a sudden graphic bloody scenes with terrific soundscapes. Quite possibly a sequel as well.