"Small Axe: Red, White And Blue"- Movie Review
Written By Alex Greenbaum
"Small Axe: Red, White and Blue" is a phenomenal and often stunning analysis of systemic racism in the London police department in the early 1980s. Director and screenplay writer Steve McQueen ("Shame", "12 Years A Slave", "Hunger") has once again left his indelible mark with this production and has stamped himself as one of the great directors of the past decade. From John Boyega's intensely determinant performance, Shabier Kirchner's visually unique cinematography, and McQueen's meticulous direction, this film substantially epitomizes the work by one of cinema's most exquisite artists.
In the early '80s, a black individual in West London, Leroy Logan (Boyega), believes that his presence in the police department will aid in transforming the very system that he innocently looked up to as a child. As his extensive training ends, he bears witness to corruption, racism, and incompetency, all based on harrowing true events.
The distinct filming angles and camera work isn't as narratively tight as McQueen's prior films but remains impressive. Reflections reiterate a greater purpose and intentionally long takes elongate it's already dramatically sad, yet hopeful direction and screenplay. Altercations between family members, deep self-reflection, and facing the unfortunate cruelties that plague the streets of West London only push its dynamically adept narrative to a striking emotional climax.
Boyega's complex, frequently marvelous achievement in his respective role only raises the stakes of a screenplay by McQueen and Courttia Newland that sticks to true events, without added dramatization. Each racist and corrupt revelation present in Logan's life is seen and worn by Boyegas's heightened intensity. And its soundtrack, often consisting of Al Green and Marvin Gaye is flawlessly incorporated, generating some unforgettable moments.
Chilled to the bone and moved by its passionate performances, McQueen's writing and direction are quickly climbing the ladder as the king of cinema. "Red, White and Blue" is a dazzling, thought-provoking, and brilliantly stimulating exposé of society's hidden realities. We are invited into a time and place that powerfully provoke a myriad of emotional elements that tie this masterful piece of artwork together.
Comments
Post a Comment