Last night I revisited a favorite film of mine, The Brothers Bloom, starring Mark Ruffalo, Adrien Brody, Rachel Weisz, and Rinko Kikuchi. It was directed by Rian Johnson and the entire look of the film is superb and rich with warm history and childishly sketched images, not to mention a fantastic color palate.

When I first saw the film it was without knowing any of the story or setting beyond who the actors were. I think going into a film completely naive is the best gift to give yourself---especially if the film is good!! I was instantly sucked in to the story of two orphaned brothers who find themselves shuffled from home to home as per the Foster Family system. In one town the younger of the two brothers, Bloom (Adrien Brody), falls for a girl who he is too shy to speak to. His older brother Stephen (Mark Ruffalo) creates an elaborate ploy for Bloom to rise above his shyness and get the girl, plus a little bit of cash on the side. At the last minute of the final box in the con, Bloom chickens out from going after her, but they still get the money and the new found knowledge of what they're really good at. Fast-forward some years later and they are fully fledged con men with a con woman by their side named Bang Bang (Rinko Kikuchi). They are famous amongst those of their trade, but Bloom is repelled by who he has become and wants out. Stephen will let him go, but only after one last con involving the reclusive, rich, eccentric, and beautiful Penelope (Rachel Weisz).

Plus, it has one of the best filmed monologues to recent mind...


What more can you ask for in a film than a great story, exuberant film making, handsome men in charming suits, and beautiful women in great clothes?

"This isn't an adventure story, Penelope"

"Haha what are you talking about? It totally is!"




Penelope certainly caters to a more classic aesthetic in her Annie Hall meets Anna Karina garb, mixing a playful personality with bright pops of color and a 1940's beautiful love story simplicity.

Just some of her outfits....
Also, there are very few actresses with the same natural beauty as Rachel Weisz. Her face perfectly and casually illustrates the tiniest flicker of emotion with such a grace that is rare nowadays.



And then there's my personal favorite character, BANG BANG!

She doesn't say more than two words in the entire film and by golly she is just fabulous!!

Labels: Film Fashion