Movies to see before you die: Grosse Point Blank

[angelophile]

Ten years old this year, appropriately enough, Grosse Pointe Blank is the story of Martin Q. Blank, a professional hitman who gets roped into going back to his hometown for his ten-year high school reunion. In search of answers, he returns to his hometown of Grosse Pointe, Michigan for his ten-year high school reunion, unaware that both federal agents and a vengeful heavy are hot on his tail

Blank is a killing machine that you can relate to - he's losing his edge, he doesn't know if the job he's doing is worth it anymore, and now he has to worry about joining a union organised by his rival Grocer (a wonderfully manic Dan Aykroyd). Blank is seeking professional help from his shrink, who grew terrified of him after he discovered his job and is constantly trying to avoid him at all costs. On top of that, there's the reunion with his highschool sweetheart, who he never quite got over and who he abandoned on the night of the prom ten years before, vanishing without trace.

The movie brings great pace, strong and witty pitch-black dialogue, and a fun fresh angle on the life of a hit man and John Cusack strongly brings to life a professional killer with a rather detached, yet distinctly every-man kind of manner.

Credit needs to go to a superb cast led by the deadpan Cusack (who helped contribute to the screenplay), but supported by Minnie Driver, (witty and attractive as his spurned sweetheart) and the supporting players of Aykroyd, Alan Arkin, as his long suffering shrink, Hank Azaria as a sharp federal agent and Cusack's sister Joan as his loyal assistant Marcella.

The retro '80s soundtrack is also put to good use: it's certainly kitschy to have Nena's "99 Luftballons" play in the background as a dead body is being disposed of, but there's also something deliciously ironic about hearing that German-language anti-war anthem as said body is being stuffed into an incinerator.

It's this blackly quirky tone which makes the film so appealing, and while it teeters occasionally on farcical (the shootout in the mini-mart), it never gives itself up. It's that well-balanced playful absurdity that keeps the film reeling forward.

Grosse Pointe Blank is a film that has it all: comedy, drama, action, romance and a great soundtrack. Better yet, it's all done well. Armitage has put together a thoughtful movie that has many layers and works in many moods, whether spurred by the quieter moments to consider your own place in the world or sit back and enjoy the sharp dialogue, awkward situations and funny predicaments Martin finds himself in.

Comments

[wal-lace.livejournal.com]

Also, one of the best fight scenes ever filmed. No messing about, no posing, no dumb bravado, just two guys trying like hell to murder each other.

Followed, of course, by the brilliant corpse disposal scene.

[angelophile.livejournal.com]

Yeah, watching it again last night I always forget how hardcore that scene is. You get a nice, sweet romanic comedy moment then suddenly brutal murder. A wonderful juxtaposition.