The Disappearance of Alice Creed Review
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The Disappearance of Alice Creed
Written and directed by the intriguingly-named J Blakeson, The Disappearance of Alice Creed is a thriller film that will be missed by much of the public and it really is a shame. After missing this film at MIFF, I decided this had to be seen during its limited release and I’m glad I did.
The film follows two ex-cons, Vic (Eddie Marsan) and Danny (Martin Compston), who, after meticulous planning, kidnap Alice Creed (Gemma Arteton), the daughter of a well-off man with the hope of getting a two million pound ransom for her. Imprisoning Alice in a sound-proofed apartment, the two attempt to follow their plan to precision. When Danny is forced into a moment of desperation, however, he risks ruining their entire operation.
This is an impressive first feature from J Blakeson. The first act is smartly plotted and shows a great filmmaker in his element. The set up is economical and the tension escalates at an incredible pace. The way the two cons treat Alice Creed in the early scenes are nasty but feel necessary. The three actors are all incredibly good in the roles and this is helped by a smart script and some fine photography. An hour and a half film with only three characters is a difficult act to pull off, yet it never loses momentum as Blakeson creates well-crafted turns to keep the motor running.
The only real criticism comes in the movie’s third act, where the intense drama is replaced by over the top actions, which rids the film of its unique feel from the first two acts. This is the only problem I could find. Otherwise, the sequences are well shot and well directed.
The Disappearance of Alice Creed is a terrific first feature for J Blakeson and he is certainly a director to watch.
In retrospect, a 4 out of 5 is more appropriate.
10.45 am on a saturday morning, september 11!!
now that is dedicated cinephile!
What else am I going to do? Work? Uni work? I don’t think so! =D