Rating of
2.5/4
Wait. . . What?
Looneymanthegreat - wrote on 04/16/13
Trance is a movie about hypnotism, art theft and abusive relationships. If that sounds like it’s a good Idea for a movie, I would agree, it sounds like an awesome Idea for a movie. Sadly despite the coolness of the concept Trance falls short in the execution.
The movie begins with a solid plot and quick pace, bringing us through the ins an outs of an Art Heist then later through the ins and outs of the people involved. The first bit of this film is really good, but sadly the movie keeps going and building, and by the time the third act comes along it has pretty much collapsed in on itself.
The plot twists come fast and often in this films second half, and in the end, when the final explanation for everything reveals itself, it just doesn’t make any sense in context. The motivations and traits of our two main characters become contorted by the multiple twists. I have no problem with twists but they have to at least make sense, and at best apply some new insight into one of our characters; the twists in Trance do neither of these things.
The closest comparable title is obviously Inception, and Trance can’t even hold a candle to Inception. Trance just doesn’t have the pacing, creative energy or logic of Inception. Inception was a mind bender that made sense once you got your head around it; Trance is a movie that only makes sense if you don’t think about it.
That said, I really like Danny Boyles style, and the casting is spot on. It’s a fun ride even if it doesn’t lead you anywhere. I’d say if you have the time and money it’s worth checking out.
