The Brothers Bloom (2008)

This is one of those movies that seemed to come out of nowhere and was such a delightful surprise for me. There was no advertising or hype surrounding this movie, and it ran in only a limited number of theatres, so almost everyone who has seen it, has only done so since it came out in DVD earlier this year.

When I first saw it, I knew nothing about the film, other than it starred two of my favourite current actors, Adrien Brody and Mark Ruffalo. It was written and directed by Rian Johnson, who had previously written and directed the cult indie favourite Brick (2005). That was more than enough to induce me to watch it.

The Brothers Bloom is the story of two orphaned brothers, who learn the art of the con as children, which we see in a really wonderful flashback in the movie's opening sequence. They become masters of the game as adults and we meet them again 23 years later.

Stephen, played by Mark Ruffalo, is the designer and mastermind of their cons, mapping out each intricate part of the job, and his brother Bloom, played by Adrien Brody is always given a significant role to play in each. They, along with their Japanese sidekick Bang Bang, who may or may not speak English, but certainly does know her explosives, manage to become masters of the game, and swindle millions from wealthy marks all over the world.

Stephen believes that the best cons are the ones where everyone gets what they want in the end, including the swindled victim. Bloom, the younger brother is finding that he is not getting what he wants, which is real love, and an unscripted life. He decides once and for all that he wants out, but Stephen talks him into one last job. Yes, it's the old "one last job" theme.

The mark of the last job is the quirky heiress, Penelope, played beautifully by Rachel Weisz. This is the main plot of the movie, and we follow their adventures from here. This is where the real romp begins.

Just who is getting conned? Will Bloom finally be able to find love and live an unwritten life? Will Stephen finally pull off the perfect con?  I can't tell you that, but it's so much fun discovering those answers.

To watch this film one must suspend one's disbelief in order to become part of the world of the Bloom brothers and quite frankly, I loved being in their world. The costumes are stunning, and there are many 3 piece suits, frock coats, cape jackets and all manner of interesting hats and fedoras. Although the movie takes place in the present day, the clothing and the dialogue give this movie a rather timeless feel and a very unique style. The characters travel in steamers to cross the ocean and travel by rail on beautiful old trains, not unlike the Orient Express. It's an exotic adventure that is occasionally reminiscent of some of the old movie classics.

I was never quite sure what would happen next, but the best thing about the movie was that I came to really like the characters, and their relationships to one another. They all had their good qualities, but they all had their flaws And the character of Bang Bang often wordlessly steals every scene she's in.

Above all, there is great love between the brothers, and that made the outcome of the film all the more important to me. And indeed, I found the outcome highly satisfying.

The Brothers Bloom is a movie that contains a bare minimum of untoward language and sexuality, which is unusual these days. It's funny, eccentric, and at times touching.

In short, there was a lot to like about this movie, and I was completely entertained and enchanted by it. It's smart and it's stylish. I watched it with my 19 year-old son, who enjoyed it as much as I did. I confess to watching it more than once. I'll likely watch it again.

Starring:  Rachel Weisz

               Adrien Brody

               Mark Ruffalo

Director: Rian Johnson

Next Time: Now, Voyager (1942)--a true golden age classic.