Summary
- The Other Laurens
offers a twisty neo-noir with unexpected comedic elements. - The film is filled with dense, blink-and-you-miss-it mini-twists, and the plot may be hard to follow, especially if you aren’t great with subtitles.
- While the pacing can be slow, the visuals and dry humor make for a fresh and enjoyable twist on the European thriller.
As a seasoned movie buff with over three decades of cinematic adventures under my belt, I must say that “The Other Laurens” is a captivating addition to the neo-noir genre. Hailing from Europe, this film offers a unique twist on the traditional American private eye tale, and it does so with panache. The visuals are stunning, and the dry humor adds an enjoyable layer of freshness to the European thriller landscape.
As if sun-soaked noirs found their contemporary resonance with last week’s debut of “Skincare“, the genre continues its stride with “The Other Laurens“. While this fresh neo-noir boasts a wealth of stunning visuals, beware: despite its setting in the ‘White House’, it’s not what you might think. This witty and unexpectedly humorous film, penned by co-writer and director Claude Schmitz, unfolds beyond our borders, across Europe.
From Yellow Veil Pictures, The Other Laurens also keeps you guessing and even tests your patience at times. While it’s not Gerry, this is hardly Jason Statham territory and will frustrate anyone looking for easy answers in a quick fashion. The Other Laurens will benefit from a repeat viewing as well, especially to catch certain quips and fun details you may have missed initially (while reading the subtitles or otherwise). But for the first go around, brace yourself for an alternative, international noir set against a bright & sunny backdrop.
A Private Dick Heads to Europe’s ‘White House’
As a movie enthusiast, I must say that if you’ve ever delved into the intricate world of Thomas Pynchon’s “Inherent Vice” or watched Paul Thomas Anderson’s screen adaptation, you’ll find a familiar rhythm in “The Other Laurens.” Instead of following Pynchon’s Doc Sportello, we embark on an adventure with a rugged private detective named Gabriel Laurens. This character comes to life in the film’s title, who, much like Sportello, takes a hesitant pause from his usual business of uncovering extramarital indiscretions when his captivating young niece Jade (Louise Leroy) unexpectedly knocks on his door.
At this point, the main plot and its intricate offshoots become apparent. Jade discloses that her father, who is also Gabriel’s estranged twin brother, François, has passed away. However, things are not as they seem according to official reports, even though they’re trying to convey this to the distraught daughter. Due to his background in private investigation, Gabriel reluctantly journeys to his brother’s vast estate near the Franco-Spanish border, which looks like the White House inhabited by President Joe Biden at present.
Is there a touch of satirical style here? You decide for yourself. In this European home, we meet Shelby, Jade’s witty stepmother who speaks two languages (played by Kate Moran), and her macho boyfriend, Edwin Gaffney, whose humor is amusingly dim-witted. To keep an eye on the potentially dangerous investigation that Jade is initiating, Shelby has a biker gang at her command.
Becoming ‘The Other Laurens’
1. While investigations often encounter obstacles, Gabriel finds himself running low on funds to cover his ailing mother’s medical expenses. Even simple tasks like filling his car with gas are becoming challenges due to declined credit cards, all while Jade, who seems judgmental, looks on and offers to help. It’s a heartbreaking scene, yet the resourceful investigator in Gabriel feels compelled to press on with his case, possibly even intensifying his methods.
Transforming his wardrobe dramatically and combing his hair back gives off an air of a wealthy, affluent landowner. In fact, Gabriel assumes the identity of his deceased twin brother Francois, who was known as “the other Laurens,” to infiltrate the criminal underworld he discovered his brother was involved with, which is not yet public knowledge among most Europeans.
As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in films, I can confidently say that this narrative truly amps up the excitement and intrigue. The introduction of vibrant, unforgettable characters such as ruthless drug lords and witty police officers adds a layer of depth to the storyline that feels reminiscent of a Quentin Tarantino masterpiece. Furthermore, the cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking, with its neon-infused palette evoking a unique blend of Wong Kar-wai’s dreamy aesthetics and Brian De Palma’s suspenseful visual storytelling. This film is a must-watch for any cinephile seeking an engaging and visually stunning experience.
Oddly Paced & Dense but Real Neon Noir Fun
At this point, the true excitement escalates significantly in multiple dimensions. Newly introduced is an array of vibrant side characters, such as ruthless drug lords and two police officers whose dialogue echoes a Tarantino film. Furthermore, you’ll be captivated by stunning visuals that blend elements reminiscent of Wong Kar-wai and Brian De Palma, with a neon color scheme.
As a cinephile with a penchant for detective stories and a keen interest in international cinema, I found “The Other Laurens” to be a truly captivating experience. With my background in film studies and multiple languages, I was intrigued by its postmodern approach to storytelling that seamlessly blended various cultures and languages. At first glance, the subtitles may seem daunting, but fear not! The Belgian production boasts ample English dialogue and a narrative dense enough to require your undivided attention.
At times, the plot can move extremely slowly, making it confusing and leaving you questioning what exactly happened during some dialog-heavy scenes. However, if you persevere, there’s a thrilling, helicopter-involved third act that makes the entire experience worthwhile, like adding the final touch to a vibrant neon dessert.
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2024-08-24 05:03