Trance
Danny Boyle is a British Film Industry Legend and that isn’t even arguably. Hailing from the north (wahey,) Boyle has created some of the most diverse movies from his debut Shallow Grave and Trainspotting to Oscar Winning Slumdog Millionaire. Not only this, but Boyle has orchestrated the acclaimed 2012 London Olympics Opening Ceremony whilst finding time to create his latest movie Trance. So one of the greatest directors and film legends is also one of the most hard working. You’d think that man who burns a lot of candle ends would falter somehow in his work. You know, let something slip. However, with this mind boggling thriller, Boyle on cements his genius in stunning form.
Trance set in London (wahey) and starring James McAvoy, Vincent Cassel asnd Rosario Dawson, is a brilliant psychological film. Simon (McAvoy) double crosses Franck (Cassel,) a gang leader, during an art heist. However, after a stand-off, Simon is hit on the head and is suffering from amnesia; losing all recollection of where he placed the painting. Frustrated that torture can’t even bring the memory back, Franck and Simon enlist the help of Hypnotherapist Elizabeth Lamb (Dawson.) Delving into the dark world of Simon’s mind, we are taken on a journey to help unlock the secrets.
And that is where I shall stop the plot because much like films such as Fight Club, talking more about what happens will give so much away. Written by Joe Ahearne and John Hodge (Hodge had previously worked with Boyle so it is very much a welcome reunion,) Trance is, expectantly, a psyche trip full of twists and turns. While dealing with the idea of hypnosis, susceptibility and memory, Trance constantly keeps the audience guessing. Is this real? Is this an actual memory? Or is this one that is planted within the mind? Trance doesn’t falter nor becomes too confusing to turn you off. Instead, it gradually hints and slips in clues to keep your curiosity and brain guessing. A film that you want to go and spot the clues, Trance is a wonderful puzzle that gradually gets solved whilst still keeping the action a live and the pulse still throbbing.
James McAvoy is an excellent actor and his role as the cheeky but tortured Simon is intriguing and Cassel is ever domineering as Franck. While acting on all sides is pretty great, it is Rosario Dawson that steals the show. Boyle had said that he wanted to pop a woman in the heart of the film and Dawson laps up the role wonderfully. And although the film kicks off great to begin with, when Elizabeth Lamb enters, it is when the fun really begins. Rosario plays a strong confident Doctor who keeps us intrigued because her character is so unique with possible hidden agendas and motifs. Dawson truly steals the show.
Trance is one of those films that will churn over in your head for days, months and years. Much like Inception, you’ll be arguing about the end with everyone. Boyle orchestrates a truly tense and great thriller that keeps you at the edge of your seat. He utilizes the full script and enhances it, bringing in the sweeping scenery of London and cutting camera shots to lose ourselves in the subconscious. Trance may feel a little week at time and true there are some subplots, romances and characters that feel unnecessary to the action and some (because there is always someone) may feel a little empty as the truth comes to ahead. But Trance is fine work from Boyle; it keeps your mind ticking away and your heart beat pounding. A truly complex and genius film.
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