Suburbicon

With all the formulaic, commercial films out there that Hollywood has a plethora to offer, it is so refreshing to come across a quirky, different, odd film not only to entertain, but also enjoy the talented people behind the film. As with the case of "Suburbicon", not only is this an odd film, but the very name reeks quirky.

 

Suburbicon is a peaceful, idyllic suburban community with affordable homes and manicured lawns... the perfect place to raise a family, and in the summer of 1959, The Lodge family, Gardner (Matt Damon), Rose (Julianne Moore), Gardner's wife, Maggie (Julianne Moore), Rose's twin sister, Nicky (Noah Jupe) is doing just that. But the tranquil surface masks a disturbing reality as husband and father Gardner Lodge must navigate the town's dark underbelly of betrayal, deceit, prejudice and violence. This is a tale of very flawed people making very bad choices. This is Suburbicon.

 

Others to round out the cast are David Isaac as Roger, Gary Basaraba as Uncle Mitch, Glenn Fleshler as Ira Sloan, Alex Hassell as Louis, Tony Espinosa as Andy Mayers, Karimah Westbrook as Mrs. Mayers, Leith M. Burke as Mr. Mayers, Richard Kind as John Sears, Jack Conly as Hightower and Nancy Daly as Linda, Gardner's secretary.

 

This  was directed by the incomparable George Clooney ("Good Night, and Good Luck" '05, "Leatherheads" '08, "The Ides of March" '11, "The Monuments Men" '14) plus TV. Even though this filmmaker doesn't have a ton of directing experience, what he has helmed is amazing quality. Being an actor, he is an actor's director where he has the ability to make these characters come to life as with his past films as well. He delineates what needs ro be conveyed in each and every scene and does so with finesse and aplomb. It was creatively written by Ethan Coen and Joel Coen ("Raising Arizona" '87, "Fargo" '96, "The Big Lebowski" '98, "Intolerable Cruelty" '03, "No Country for Old Men" '07, "Burn After Reading" '08, "A Serious Man" '09, "Bridge of Spies" '15, "Hail Caesar!" '16) plus others and shorts, and George Clooney and Grant Heslov ("Good Night, and Good Luck" '05, "The Ides of March" '11, "The Monuments Men" '14). If I were to akin this film to another one, it would probably be "Fargo" '96, since both are about the greed, deceitfulness, and self-centeredness of its different characters. Couple that with being incredibly over-the-top, and these films are similar, however this is where the similarity ends, because the premise is certainly very different in how the script is carried out. Both films are written by the Coen Brothers which makes them quirky, and this adjective is the trademark of these brothers. Other than a couple of places of slowness in plot, this storyline soared. As this story unfolds, one cannot believe the situations of these characters could get any worse until you watch the next scene. And along with the Coen Brothers, both Clooney and Heslov are accomplished writers themselves. Surely a lot of writers, however with this talent, a film can get away with it since the film had a well thought out story.

 

If quirky and odd is a combination you can appreciate in a film, this is the film for you. But even if you are a commercial freak, the acting, directing and writing should be enough to satisfy the most hardcore of formulaic films. This is touted as a drama, but since it is so odd, one can see the comedic moments in it just as with "Fargo". Grab the popcorn and enjoy.

 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                               Rated: R                                  105mins.