Review: The Place Beyond the Pines
Michelle Douvris ’16 / Emertainment Monthly Movie Editor
I don’t want to reveal too much about the film, but I will tell you a few things: Ryan Gosling knows how to ride a motorcycle, Ray Liotta is absolutely terrifying, babies love ice cream, and robbing a bank is nerve-wracking. I would offer you a more detailed synopsis, but you don’t want it, trust me. It’s so much better to let the film’s twists and turns take you by surprise.
The plot twists weren’t the most surprising part of the night for me, however, when Bradley Cooper himself showed up in person for an incredible Q&A with Cianfrance at the early screening I attended. The two gave some great insight into the filmmaking process, as well as divulged some behind the scenes secrets involving Ryan Gosling’s face tattoos and the meaning of the film’s mysterious title (“the place beyond the pines” is apparently Schenectady’s Mohawk translation). Cianfrance’s thoughtful explanations surrounding his creative choices allowed me to appreciate the film on an even deeper level.
The Place Beyond the Pines is easily one of the year’s best films so far, and I truly hope it gets the recognition it deserves. If you want to see a beautifully crafted movie that explores the ties of family and makes you question your understanding of morality, then this one is for you.
What are the bad sides to this film
At some points it feels like “Drive” on a motorcycle. With Ryan Gosling doing his classic limited new yorker tough guy performance, where he seemingly can get the world on their knees with just a “hey”. But ultimately, the rest of the film supersedes any frustrations that an audience may get from this. At least it did for me.