Trance

"Trance" is the new film from Danny Boyle.  This made it an instant must-see in my book.  Boyle is one of those directors who always seems to be trying something new.  I like that.  Even when I don't connect to one of his films, his work still proves to be interesting.

Boyle tends to alternate between small movies and big movies.  When I say "big" and "small," I'm referring to the push from the studios.  I tend to prefer his smaller films.  While advertisers usually push his "big" movies ("Trainspotting," "Slumdog Millionaire," "28 Days Later," and "127 Hours"), I would recommend folks seek out Boyle's "small" movies.  "Shallow Grave" and "Millions" are underwatched gems, and "Sunshine"is a fairly large budget but not enthusiastically marketed film.

"Trance" is very similar to "Sunshine" in that regard.   If you said you'd never heard of "Trance," I wouldn't be at all surprised.

"Trance" deals with a two subjects that give most filmmakers fits: amnesia and hypnosis.  Much like time travel plots, there looms the possibility of glaring plot holes that can take the audience out of the movie.  At the very least, the audience could be left horribly confused.  Neither one seems to be an issue in "Trance." 

Let's get into this plot.  Simon works at an auction house.  A robbery occurs (of which he is an accomplice).  Simon hides the stolen painting but due to a head injury, he cannot remember where it is.  His fellow criminals utilize the services of a hypnotherapist to help him recover his memory.  Double crosses, triple crosses, and uncertain realities ensue.

After the crazy camerawork of "Slumdog Millionaire" and "127 Hours," it is so refreshing to see Danny Boyle return to a simpler way of filming.  That is not to say that the cinematography is not inventive.  Plenty of techniques Boyle tried in previous films (sometimes poorly or to excess), are put to work here.  But every shot shot feels very appropriate.  The camerawork is impressive but never distractingly flashy.  It is a case of Boyle allowing the image, not the technique, to be the focus. 

As far as performances, no one really stands out.  That doesn't mean the actors are bad.  Actually, everyone is great.  James McAvoy is always good.  Vincent Cassel is excellent.  But for him, excellent is average.  Rosario Dawson comes closest to turning in a stand out performance.  However, the film is so plot driven that character is kinda pushed back.  Boyle did right to cast actors who could impart some humanity to the characters amidst the twists and turns of the plot.

"Trance" is a very sexual movie.  Maybe that's why it didn't get the studio support that a Danny Boyle film usually warrants.  For some reason, Hollywood has problems with sex but not with violence. Don't worry though, "Trance" has plenty of violence too.  

I was really happy with "Trance."  In the end, there is a rather long scene of exposition to ensure that the audience is clear on all the hypnosis/amnesia mumbo-jumbo.  It's a little awkward but necessary.  That sequence is at least driven by interesting camerawork and editing.  I would recommend "Trance" over the last few films Boyle has released.  Don't expect your friends and family to have watched it.  Just be the cool kid who watched that weird hypnosis movie that Danny Boyle made between his ho-hum Oscar bait.

8 out of 10