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Film reviews

Ballad of a Small Player Review

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Director Edward Berger switches up the tension from religion to gambling. After the success of Conclave, his direction takes on a new anxiety-provoking approach. At the same time, the layers in this story tend to crumble in matters that do not feel successful. Ballad of a Small Player explores addiction fueled by getting byand takes place in Macau. It is adrenaline-fueled with numerous conflicts, yet the film’s writing repeatedly falls out of focus. While there are elements of dark comedy which fuel suspense, they don’t always work with the subject of poker in the film. If viewers are expecting a thriller to feel like Casino or 21, Ballad of a Small Player is several notches below.

The film’s main character is Lord Doyle, played by Colin Farrell. He narrates the beginning of the film and talks about his experiences playing poker. He has gambled his life away…no matter the cost, his brain is always wired to win. Despite the negative consequences, he still feels success awaits him. Eventually, casinos and hotels start to inform him of invoices and piling debts that must be repaid. This leads Lord Doyle to gamble more and seek out bigger competitions in hopes thestakes are higher which will allow him to pay off his debts.

Lord Doyle finds a lifeline from a mysterious individual named Dao Ming, played by Fala Chen. There may be hope for Lord Doyle to have a Plan B and put his bad karma behind him. However, it is not that simple for Lord Doyle due to a detective on his tail. The private investigator is named Cynthia Blithe and is played by Tilda Swinton. Lord Doyle’s drinking, gambling, and pursuing various solutions creates a bipolar rollercoaster ride that feels like mayhem with intermittent layers of boredom. I found the scenes of Farrell waking up hungover boring. The film relies too much on addiction scenes over ones focused on solutions.

The help of Dao offers some hope for Lord Doyle. Unfortunately, Lord Doyle’s assorted conflicts are a trainwreck. I appreciated the film’s tone, but the melancholy aspect feels like a flowing volcano due to the sheer madness of drowning in a bad state of mind. Overall, this is Berger’s film in which trying to blend substance abuse with comedy is ultimately not very successful.

The theme of gambling is where the tone of the film carries a political aspect with a purpose for Lord Doyle. Many of his debts are ones that can go on record which create interesting dilemmas and outstanding conflicts for the audience to think about. Berger’s direction lays out a vast landscape of choices leading down rabbit holes involving multiple consequences. The dynamics between Farrell and Swinton are like a comedicversion of Catch Me If You Can, but with a low B rating. Their roles are somewhat silly, but the film itself is quite clever. There are simply too many of the conflicts which get wrapped up too easily. Therefore, I give this film two out of four stars.

Film reviews

Conclave Review

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The term “conclave” refers to an assembly or gathering, especially one with specific power or influence. In Edward Berger’s film Conclave, the dynamics of political theories combined with religion and faith collide poetically. It is a powerful examination of the moving parts in the quest to find a new pope, with an ensemble cast that includes Ralph Fiennes (as Lawrence), Stanley Tucci (as Bellini), John Lithgow (as Tremblay), and Isabelle Rossellini (as Sister Agnes). The interactions of the cast are relentless and invigorating. Conclavecreates a curiosity about where the lines are drawn when selecting one who can lead the Catholic Church. The foundation of consideration reaches a point where established hierarchy and degree of faith challenge this important process.

The plot of the film begins with a deceased pope. The death is quiet and assumed to be unexpected. Over a hundred cardinals from around the world gather for a vote on the new pope. Lawrence is leading the “conclave” process. He keeps Bellini and Tremblay close. Despite their loyalty, they do not always see eye-to-eye. The Vatican halls are where new evidence will evolve, lies will be unfolded, and seniority and beliefs will interfere. Tremblay is subtle, yet frequently questioned by Lawrence. Lawrence privately believes that choices and secrets are in tune with the close relationship Tremblay had with the deceased Pope.

The rumors which are circulating take a major toll on the voting process. Conclave is a fascinating study of the cardinals’ minds as they present their own unique approaches to faith. For Lawrence, however, going by the book and following protocols speaks more to him than the faiths of the other cardinals. Fiennes’ performance as he develops a harsh reputation is where Conclave delivers a massive achievement in terms of characterizations. How far does one go to achieve the ruling of a new pope? What is the logic behind choosing who deserves to hold this position known to the entire world?

Conclave is an audacious thrill ride of the pressure, solidarity, and background of the political theories surrounding the votes throughout the process. The person who truly questions the choice of Lawrence is Sister Agnes and her extreme frustration shows in Rossellini glowing eyes. The real boxing match in this story is in the capable hands of Fiennes, Tucci, and Lithgow. They deliver powerhouse performances which showcase how faith in humanity and deep loyalty discover their shining presence. The movie is captivating in the way it explores the subjects of faith and worship and the role they play for the votes to count. The political issues related to hierarchy of authority, years of practice, and personal backgrounds are also intriguing.  With hundreds of cardinals, there are a lot of analytics to consider during the conclave. It is a riveting and unforgettable portrait of the critical choices involved when the Vatican must select a new pope who will shine a light of authentic power. This is one of the most monumental and visually outstanding films of 2024. Four out of four stars for Conclave.