American Cinema
The East 2013
Director: Zal Batmanglij
Writer: Zal Batmanglij, Brit Marling
Starring: Brit Marling, Alexander Skarsgård, Ellen Page
Wow! I did not expect to like this movie. Coming off of death by True Blood (the show, not the beverage), Alexander Skarsgård brings what George Jefferson called “it”! Brit Marling gives a wonderfully rich and layered performance as well.
I was amazed at how well all the elements of this film came together, like a delicious stew that you just can’t stop eating, or a book so captivating its end brings a wave of palpable sadness.
The rare, undeniable and unexpected excitement I felt watching this film lasted almost its entirety. Without spoiling anything, let’s just say the very beginning and the tail end were the functional bookends necessary to the completion of the story. They were kind of like the toasty, buttered Wonder bread ends of an otherwise perfect grilled cheese sandwich. Even though they were predictable, they work pretty darn well. (Is anyone else hungry, or is it just me?)
Overall, this thriller is suspenseful from one scene to the next. In some ways the vibe of this film is not unlike several classic eco-thrillers from the 80’s. Good Stuff! I’m giving it two thumbs way up, (since I only have the two).
Actors Performance: Bitchin’. A+
Direction: On Point. A
Cinematography: Affective. A
Production Value: Next Level. A-
Script: Tight. A
Final Bitch: That’s What I’m Talkin’ About! A