With a sense of confusion reminiscent of “Inception,” Danny Boyle uses his signature artistic visuals to create a hypnotic world in “Trance.”
Simon (James McAvoy), an art auctioneer, finds himself in debt from gambling and seeks help from a group of criminals led by Franck (Vincent Cassel). During an art robbery, he suffers amnesia and can’t remember where he hid the painting.
After some painful-to-watch torture scenes, Franck turns to hypnotherapist Elizabeth (Rosario Dawson). Eventually, she joins the criminals, hoping to help Simon recover the painting.
The film’s plot lines blur between what is real and what is happening under hypnosis. While trying to recover Simon’s memory, Elizabeth discovers a dark past.
A combination of Boyle’s superb directing style, an immersing soundtrack and McAvoy’s smooth narration sets the film off to a promising start. Boyle worked hard to create an almost futuristic world within a classic European city, using sharp angles and dark contrasts, along with updated technology and ultra-modern homes. But Boyle’s movement between the real and imagined becomes monotonous.
Viewers should also prepare for the R-rated gore that transpires in both worlds.
McAvoy was a good choice for Simon, presenting his character as an innocent bystander at first, who transforms into one of the more sinister characters in the film. Cassel is brilliant as the criminal mastermind, and manages to play a despicable Frenchman with some hidden appealing characteristics. Dawson leaves something to be desired as the talented hypnotherapist, but her smooth voice does possess the appropriate lulling that so easily manipulates Simon.
While it may be difficult to put “Trance” in the same category as Boyle’s other films (“Slumdog Millionaire,” “Trainspotting,” “127 Hours”), it is worth a viewing to see how his characters progress in a world where their minds are not their own.
Dive Verdict: ???1/2
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