The Place Beyond the Pines

IMDB
First time viewed: Yes
Current Release: Yes

This is much bigger in scope than Blue Valentine. It's divided into 3 sections. The first follows Ryan Gosling trying to find a way to provide for a son he just found out he had. The second follows Bradley Cooper as the cop he gets into trouble with and the final section is set 15 years later when both of their sons are now in high school. Dane DeHaan, who was so great in Chronicle, is one of the boys. The other is Emory Cohen, who I amusingly recognised from the television show Smash but am pleased to say he fares far better here in a role much more suited to his talents.

It's beautifully put together and photographed. The opening sequences were almost hypnotic. And that feeling permeates through the naturalistic drama of action and consequence. The story risks becoming melodramatic but the style and great cast keep it in check.

Perhaps another viewing is in order at a later date. At the moment it feels like there were a lot of ideas there that weren't refined enough before the film was completed. Ultimately the drama didn't engage me as much as I'd hope but there's still a lot to like here.