closing your loop

Rating: 10/10 (19 September 2018)

Riian Johnson's Looper is 2012's most original sci-fi film that boasts strong performances, old-school action, a distinctive style and a compelling story. It's certainly refreshing to find a movie that subverts our expectation, especially in the realm of sci-fi, a genre that can so easily flounder.
The year is 2079, time travel hasn't yet been invented but in the near future it will be, becoming highly illegal and only used by the mob, who send men from the future to be killed in the past by Loopers. In order for the mob to receive no loose ends, Loopers are tasked with eliminating their future selves, without question. This is where we are presented with Joseph Gordon-Levitt's Joe, who fails to kill Bruce Willis, Joe from the future. Time-travel is put to the side to present a character piece between the dualities of this personage. Instead of lamenting on the intricacies on the frustrating concept of time-travel, Riian Johnson offers a brilliant script serving as both a Neo-noir and a classic western narrative, hiding behind the mask of sci-fi. Both Willis and Gordon-Levitt bring fantastic performances, especially on Gordon-Levitt's part, who so uncannily impersonates Willis that the prosthetic nose was ridiculously unnecessary. They are supported by an equally fantastic Emily Blunt, portraying both the strong and vulnerable side of a mother not in control of her son (that kid is going places) and a scene-stealing Jeff Daniels.
Riian Johnson has crafted a wildly creative, utterly original and bold film with Looper, despite a few shortcomings with the time-travel concept, establishing himself as a director to be sought after. Oh, that's right, Star Wars!