Tweet
INSANE, BEAUTIFUL CHAOS
How to make a villain relatable? Do criminals deserve mercy? Once again, an extremely divisive DC movie among critics and fans, and for the first time... I'm actually in the positive side. Many call this film as "another cheesy generic product of the bunch". I call it a "bold and unique story of damaged guys trying to get redeemed". Even though it goes to ambitious levels by the end of the film, the story feels claustrophobic within the complex psyche of the characters and their personal insecurities. That's the whole point. Despite its generic plot points, it feels different.
That's what makes this movie, despite the flaws, beautiful: a world of chaos and no real good guys. One where people fight their demons in order to avoid the nonredeemable state of pure evil. How? Let's talk about it!
POSITIVES!
This movie is a character-driven plot, and in order to work well, the characters have to be engaging, interesting, well-developed and fun to watch. Not only have wonderful performances (props to Margot and Will), but spicy chemistry as well. From one liners to monologues, have well written dialogue. Was it cheesy sometimes? Well, yeah. But it is earned. This whole package delivered! From the main characters to the supporting ones, from the most fleshed out to the ones that still have a potential interesting story to explore, this is a remarkable strength of the film.
Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie): The most anticipated character of the movie demonstrated great charisma and humanity, thanks to the smart writing within the character and a memorable performance by Margot Robbie. Humorous, heartfelt, sassy, and so much fun to watch. Being a very hard character to flesh out well and effectively, the story was on a good track when she and Deadshot were the spotlight of the film from beginning to end. Harley Quinn's psyche is difficult to portray... and this film nailed it. Her character development is beautiful and it's probably the most round character along with Deadshot.
From the chemical acid bath scene (which I'll talk about it in depth later) to the helicopter scene, her relationship to The Joker and the squad adds layers to her personality. As she's devoted to Mr. J, she's also able to redeem her self-esteem throughout the story when crucial character events happen. For instance, as soon as Harley believes his puddin' is dead and the squad shows up while raining, she immediately changes her facial expression and covers her undying love.
But, she may be able to give up about the possibility of ever reuniting with him. When she's given the chance to revive The Joker as an offer of the Enchantress, her last piece of dialogue towards her is quite impressive (also, a bit underrated): "I like what you're selling lady... there's just one teeny problem. You messed with my friends!". Why underrated? Deadshot demonstrated trustworthiness and friendship when he didn't shoot her when he was forced to. And her friends respect her sincerity in the bar. Even though the mission was just a few hours, company was needed urgently among damaged people.
Also, before that, she gave a pretty damn interesting line that's a reminder of the X-Men (I know, different universes, whatever) and the discrimination issue. Quite a thinker when it's a movie about bad people trying to redeem themselves:
- Deadshot: Hey! She's trying to take over the world.
- Harley: So? What has the world done for us, anyway? It hates us!
Deadshot (Will Smith): Well, what can I say? Will Smith is back with a bang! And the character he was given to portray... nice decision. An antihero that earns a living by... well, killing people behind her daughter's back, and while believing that what he's doing is undeniably right, is given the chance to change his public image and be the supportive role model his daughter deserves. And yes, this was a very satisfactory unofficial conclusion of his character arc because there is so much to explore.
Not only is he a deeply troubled father by facing the fact that an heroic figure such as Batman is seen as a hero and is protected by his daughter during a very emotional scene early on in the movie, but also an unlikely leader of the Suicide Squad. The blend of both of this situations is beautifully executed at the end of the climax: when he has the gun that could save the city and, therefore, the world, he suddenly has a moral and personal illusion in front of him.
When he sees his daughter, is he questioning what's right and what's wrong? Is defeating Enchantress the right path to follow, considering his killing history, his participation in a problematic and lethal group of not so good people, and Enchantress's dangerous victimization provoked by Amanda Waller, a woman that defies law and order just like Floyd himself?
After this particular well shot and executed scene has been in my memory for a while, this questions are quite entertaining to create. And I think that's the beauty of the nature of this story: It's not really about the plot, but about the characters. It's about the nature of the dynamic of the Suicide Squad as individuals and as a group. Deadshot portrays the development of the relationships and struggles hopefully and as matter of persistence, which could be broken by any single member. Like Harley Quinn escaping with Mr. J at the end. The plot thickens.
Rick Flagg (Joel Kinnaman): I did not see this coming. While marketed as, possibly, the most uninteresting character of the film (he's a freaking soldier that gives orders, I mean... yeah), seeing him progressing as a character generates quite a few well earned emotions. His true morale and honor is tested throughout particular relationships with two relevant characters: Deadshot and Amanda.
First of all, his clash of leadership against Deadshot was very fun to watch because of some witty dialogue and dramatic moments. Rick's strong opinion of Floyd was taken to a low degree where lies and truths came up as he didn't do anything while Amanda killed the officers in the control room, and later on he confessed about Floyd's daughter's letters kept in secret. Not so noble after all, is he?
That leads to the problematic triangle that created the controversial conflict: While Rick was having a romance with June when the Enchantress took her, Amanda's involvement in the relationship has some crude consequences: Either choose A or B. Either choose to kill his trapped girlfriend and finish the mission or have his already dangerous girlfriend back and forced to me assassinated.
Although that last line leads to the one single serious con I have for this movie, Rick's character showed real consistent humanity throughout the story as he makes mistakes, apologizes, and respects the virtues of others, even when he thinks that what he's doing is not entirely right. He's Deadshot's other side of the coin after all.
Amanda Waller (Viola Davis):
Rick: I'll accept the consequences.
Amanda: I am your consequence.
I'll say it right away: She's the real bitch of the film. Manipulating, arrogant, and extremely terrifying, she's not the kind of person you want to have a peaceful conversation with. Her ideas about slavery and getting the job done are so over the line that she represents true evil within her authority. She's like one of the last bosses you would wanna work with. And her lines? Well, if you screw up, she would certainly be your consequence.
Viola Davis is so good at the role that me talking about it doesn't make it fair. She's so good that you'll hate her. Watch her chemistry with the squad and maybe you'll get the sensation that she's the last thing to be reckoned with, even if you consider yourself a good guy.
June Moone/Enchantress (Cara Delevigne):
Ok. This has not been a very good year for antagonists in comic book movies. Although they haven't been crappy yet, they could've been written a lot better. In spite of that flaw, the villains of this movie have grown on me ever since I've been thinking about them. I actually Cara Delevigne as Enchantress, specially in the first half when she was all creepy and eerie with her amazing makeup. The character, even with a pretty simple and generic motivation to wipe out the world, it works in the context of the movie: imprisonment is one of the main topics of the film.
Then with the goddess costume... it stopped being scary after a while, but it didn't stop to be entertaining. Although this character has been poorly received character wise and visually, her abilities were pretty sweet: to mess up with people's heads, which is one of the best scenes in my opinion. That's when the true psychology of Harley, Deadshot, and Diablo truly shines: even though they're not trustworthy or good exactly, they all have hopes and dreams that are quite shattered.
And this is why Enchantress has won me over. As she is a former member of the official squad, her intentions towards the group were never truly lethal. She was testing their worth through physical combat and freedom from their common enemy, Amanda Waller, even when Incubus (her brother) was murdered by them. She's the nonredeemable state of pure evil that was led by anger and overwhelming power, which are attributes that any member of the squad could've induced in themselves, even if they're not really overpowered creatures. Thought that was interesting.
El Diablo (Jay Hernandez): Along with Rick and Deadshot, this character was another gentle surprise for my eyes. From quiet to being the voice of the squad, he finds redemption by accepting his position and his insecurity towards family or even being part of a group. Why?
Although he may not know it, he's very similar to Enchantress except for one thing: despite being imprisoned, he chooses peace instead of war. That's the real difference. He knows his powers are brutal and damaging with the burden of his tragic death family story behind him. And as soon as he connects with his companions in the bar, the others realize: we need to stay together. We may be all we have by this point.
And I think his ultimate sacrifice is an accurate hit. Not only because he successfully seeks and reaches redemption, but interestingly he takes down something that brought him to his depression: family. Killing Enchantress' brother does not only mean redemption but ultimate peace. Quite ironic, isn't it?
The Joker (Jared Leto): The controversy around the character with either the deleted scenes or his portrayal or his role in the film won't vanish soon enough. But what I can say is... this was some nice fresh breath of air.
Does his short screen time justify the saying "it's not fair to judge him already?". I don't think so. Character like Spider-Man and Quicksilver in Civil War and Days of Future Past gave so many different impressions that they were highlights of their respective films. And so does it happen here.
The laugh is a hit. His modern visual look terrifies in the club scene and the very brief interrogation scene ("Oh I knew you meant that" *Smiles and touches the guy* Actual chills!). His defining moment, aside of the chemical acid bath scene: the helicopter scene. His maniacal laugh while he gracefully shoots, his wonderful memorable line "Professor? Could you pick up the pace?!" and, therefore, rescuing Harley with the sweet line "come on, baby!". They all were very well acted.
Is he overly in love with Harley? I think he may obsessed, not in love precisely. His whole mission consisted in getting her back in a very sick way. As he gives character development to Harley, his colorful yet gloomy gangster look and unpredictable behavior shines in his solo moments. He still has so much to give! Jared, I trust you!
Supporting Cast: Captain Boomerang (Jai Courtney), Killer Croc (Adewale Akkinuoye-Agbaye), and Katana (Karen Fukuhara) fall perfectly into this place. They bring diversity to the cast, mostly.
An Australian thief that has some nasty humor beneath his sleeves with his rare pink unicorn; a meta human crocodile that seeks acceptance in a cruel environment full of prejudice and discrimination (the "I am beautiful" line nails that); and a Japanese woman that seeks revenge and peace for his husband. Are they the most interesting? No, we barely know them. But in time we will. His introductions were meant to reflect the diversity of the planet. Everyone has a story to share.
Yes, those last lines may be just crap I invented from this movie, but... it's nice to have variety in a film like this.
VISUAL STYLE AND SYMBOLISM
Art direction and cinematography: Wonderful achievement right here! The sets, the visuals, the photography... as a movie geek, it's such a nice feeling to appreciate all this aspects in any film, particularly on this type. You don't see this color palette in every comic book movie, right?
In both action and dialogue moments, combining darkness with colorful costumes, makeup and good lightning (yeah, I'm all about this little yet important details) was such a sweet treat to the eyes. Just look at the shot down below. Wow.
Symbolism: I'm gonna refer to this one particular scene (my favorite): when The Joker saves Harley (or did he intentionally? Hm), this one shot happens. Let's take a moment here. Does it represent the toxicity of their relationship? Harley's devotion to the prince of crime? Combined with the lyrics that sound during this scene (take a look at those lyrics)? I don't know for sure, but the fact that this one shot and scene as whole is left to interpretation (at the end of the post I explain why) is the outcome of good film making. Seriously!
EMOTIONS AND THEMES
It was heartfelt when it needed to be. Both Harley and Deadshot (and Diablo in the third act) carry the soul of the film to very psychological places with some worthy messages to transmit to the audience. The illusions Enchantress gives to the three main member of the squad is heartbreaking: those are shattered dreams. Human dreams and goals.
The bar scene, Deadshot's daughter illusion in the climax, the chemical acid bath scene, Diablo's sacrifice. These moments talk about love, sincerity, and redemption. Possible themes? Ugliness is not truly defined until its final moments, referring to their soul as human beings that still care deep down about something or someone ate least. Surprisingly emotional this film is.
HUMOR
It comes from the characters and it's sincere. Visual gags don't really play here but real personalities. From Harley to Deadshot, from Captain Boomerang to Killer Croc... they all interact convincingly to the point that you are able to get into their characters and their motivations. It's not joke after joke but humorous and heartwarming conversations in its own twisted way.
It comes from the characters and it's sincere. Visual gags don't really play here but real personalities. From Harley to Deadshot, from Captain Boomerang to Killer Croc... they all interact convincingly to the point that you are able to get into their characters and their motivations. It's not joke after joke but humorous and heartwarming conversations in its own twisted way.
Harley: "What? Should I kill everyone and escape? ...haha, sorry... the voices. Just kidding, jeez... it's not what they really said". "Come on, let's go... pussies."
Deadshot: "How are you still alive?" "Her speech, compared to yours? She nailed it."
Captain Boomerang: "You got a boyfriend?" "Can you take that shit off of your face?"
Killer Croc: "I am beautiful."
The Joker: "Professor? Could you pick up the pace!?" "Huh? This bird is baked."
Deadshot: "How are you still alive?" "Her speech, compared to yours? She nailed it."
Captain Boomerang: "You got a boyfriend?" "Can you take that shit off of your face?"
Killer Croc: "I am beautiful."
The Joker: "Professor? Could you pick up the pace!?" "Huh? This bird is baked."
MUSIC
Soundtrack: If this movie wasn't just visually great, wait for the treat your ears will get... 'cause it has received mixed reactions. But boy I'll say, this was such a cool soundtrack to put altogether in this movie. Fast paced songs in a fast-paced movie... yeah, it's pretty damn kick-ass! From Gangsta to House of the Rising Sun, from You Don't Own Me to Heathens... bombastic and so much. For the record, did I mention this movie has actual personality!?
Score: Steven Price knocks it out of the park. Even though it's not Oscar-worthy (coming from the heel of his masterpiece score in Gravity), it has a lot to offer: from melancholic melodies to action-heavy notes, from piano to drums, this film knows what music is. Being a very important element of a movie, both Steven Price and David Ayer (director) were amazingly creative. Bravo!
BOLD STORYTELLING
Having soundtracks as the source of energy for the first act, a claustrophobic setting in the second act with a few bold twists regarding the nature of the plot and the "good" characters, and a typical end of the world scenario in the third act with some risky decisions in terms of visual effects and execution of the climax... yeah, I can see why this movie is heavily divisive and criticized.
The story is so weird sometimes that the supernatural stuff with the whole "grounded" black ops mission combination sounds so absurd that a great part of the audience has trashed the film. Plus, the plot is surprisingly simple, which is disappointing to many.
I think it was the right choice. The whole weirdness fits the absurd plot. It's meant to be absurd because the story never takes itself too seriously. The characters are crazy, the conflict is over the top. I mean come one, a crocodile, a witch and a crazy clown all in one same movie? Yeah, have some fun! That doesn't mean the characters are cartoons. They're real human beings with real internal, soulful problems. That's the point of the filmmaker I think. And it's a groovy and entertaining ride!
Having soundtracks as the source of energy for the first act, a claustrophobic setting in the second act with a few bold twists regarding the nature of the plot and the "good" characters, and a typical end of the world scenario in the third act with some risky decisions in terms of visual effects and execution of the climax... yeah, I can see why this movie is heavily divisive and criticized.
The story is so weird sometimes that the supernatural stuff with the whole "grounded" black ops mission combination sounds so absurd that a great part of the audience has trashed the film. Plus, the plot is surprisingly simple, which is disappointing to many.
I think it was the right choice. The whole weirdness fits the absurd plot. It's meant to be absurd because the story never takes itself too seriously. The characters are crazy, the conflict is over the top. I mean come one, a crocodile, a witch and a crazy clown all in one same movie? Yeah, have some fun! That doesn't mean the characters are cartoons. They're real human beings with real internal, soulful problems. That's the point of the filmmaker I think. And it's a groovy and entertaining ride!
What about the pacing and editing? I think it was fast-paced when it needed to be (first act), slow-paced in the rightful place to give the characters important development and interactivity, and a bit of both in the third act. The movie had a fun rhythm and attention is required for the editing is quite frenetic.
Although the first time the editing was somewhat jarring from time to time, after a second viewing... I understood why the run time is just two hours, I think: the simplicity of the plot. Although I wish some scenes were longer and fleshed out even better, they were enough to build up the plot, the characters, and the tension of the conflict overall. I admire these strange, risky decisions. After all, I never got bored, which makes me happy and satisfied!
Although the first time the editing was somewhat jarring from time to time, after a second viewing... I understood why the run time is just two hours, I think: the simplicity of the plot. Although I wish some scenes were longer and fleshed out even better, they were enough to build up the plot, the characters, and the tension of the conflict overall. I admire these strange, risky decisions. After all, I never got bored, which makes me happy and satisfied!
WHAT COULD'VE BEEN BETTER!
All three acts of the movie were great (yes, the even third act with the generic climax): an original and aggressive exposition of the backstory of the characters, unconventional pacing and editing that added some real bold personality to the film, lots of character build up among the main stars of the movie, and a plenty of consistent fun. But...
I wish the story could've fleshed out June Moone and her relationship with Rick Flag early on in the movie. That's the one thing that kinda bothered me: by the end of the third act, June resurrects as soon as Enchantress is killed by Rick Flagg, eliminating any sense of real loss for Rick as his character arc was reaching some real emotional moments. At least Amanda Waller's comeback after the final battle was funnily acknowledged by Deadshot in one of the best lines of the movie because it shows that it's aware of the "back from the dead" cliché.
But as soon as the audience is connecting emotionally with Rick when he's forced to kill Enchantress and, therefore, her girlfriend, the cliché shows up again without even some fashion. If they established better the relationship and make a bold step towards tragedy having Diablo and June dead (two characters that just wanted family and love), consequences would've felt heavier and much more satisfying.
Even with those flaws, Diablo's apparent death paid off with great character development. Also, Deadshot's re-encounter with her daughter, Harley's escape from prison with her beloved Joker, and sense of respect and redemption among the squad made up the ending and make the movie fun and re-watchable overall.
VERDICT
Is Suicide Squad a flawed film? Just a bit. Is it perfect? No, and the nitpicks are unfair I think. Does it have strengths within those flaws? mostly and convincingly, in my opinion. Is it fun? Hell yeah. This is as open-minded movie about characters that not only feel trapped because of the world's perspective of them, but also trapped regarding their self-esteem.
They know they're flawed and quite ugly, but isn't that what makes them humans and real? They're fighting for something that means the world to them. It's not really about killing the Enchantress. That's the main obstacle the Suicide Squad has to overcome in order to learn to work as a group, accept each other's flaws, respect and comprehend each other's past stories and insecurities, and redeem themselves not only for the sake of it... but also to show the world that bad doesn't exactly equal evil.
Wonderful, chaotic, character-driven film. Loved it so much! One of the best and most extravagant of the year. A loooot of quotable lines. See it by yourself! It may disappoint you, but it also might surprise you positively. Give it a chance, 'cause I don't think it's just another comic book movie. If you're on board with the mission, you'll be in one very entertaining roller-coaster. If not... well, at least you tried to watch the movie, 'cause I don't think it's for everybody. Even with that said, enjoy and have fun!
Favorite Scene!
Well, it involves two of my favorite clowns: Harley and Mr. J. Whys is it my favorite of all?
As Harley's origin is unquestionably tied to The Joker, the writing was smart enough when it gave Harley space to breath and progress as a character by herself as soon as the flash backs were covered. And this one chemical acid bath scene... it may not be a flashback, but a romantic fantasy.
As soon as she throws herself to the chemical acid bath, the song starts to play and the lyrics are directed to The Joker. His grunt is so well-acted that he seems confused, angry, but in love at the same time. This may be not only Harley Quinn's feelings towards him, but the voices in her head, like the Harleen Quinzel that still lives inside her. Then, she reacts aggressively as soon as Deadshot interrupts her accidentally and asks him if he's ever been in love. Real tragedy, humanity, and insecurity is showed in her eyes.
Does The Joker truly love her? Is it just an illusion? It's all left to interpretation. Great depth to this wonderfully executed scene. Beautiful cinematography, dialogue, subtext, acting and music choice. Overall, fantastic scene!
ALPHAS!
So! What do you think of this movie? Did you love it or hate it? Did you have fun? Would you be on board with these characters again in another future film? Which was your favorite moment? Leave your comments below!
Thanks for reading this post! Hope you've enjoyed it, good day! Cheers!
You can find me here!
YT Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/ArgueditasBlogspot
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DiegoArguedas19
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Argueditas19/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedajango19/
NO DARKNESS WITHOUT LIGHT AND DREAMS DON'T END HERE!
No hay comentarios.:
Publicar un comentario