SO, "The place beyond the pines", this wonderful small film made by Derek Cianfrance (who made the beautifully sad "Blue Valentines two years ago), co-starring Ryan Gosling, Eva Mendes, Bradley Cooper, Ray Liotta, Ben Mendelsohn and introducing the fabulous newcomer Dane DeHaan as Ryan Goslings son. I have been exited about seeing this since I saw the trailer for the first time - and no, Mr. Gosling is not the only reason that I really wanted to see it.
The film is divided into three parts, the story is simple: Luke (Gosling) is a stunt driver in the late 80's/early 90's, who meets a beautiful woman, Romina (real-life girlfriend Mendes), who soon becomes pregnant by him. Once Luke finds out he has a son, he wants to be able to provide for him and try to have a family with Romina. Luke meets another washed-up guy (a very realistic Mendelsohn) and they start robbing banks. One day something goes wrong and Luke gets caught. He gets shot by a cop, Avery (surprisingly well played by Cooper), and from there on the second story takes place. The second part is pretty much entirely dedicated to Avery. A cop who falls under the spell of a couple of corrupt police men, tying to make quick money. This will soon lead to the third and final chapter of the film, which takes place almost 17 years later. Avery's and Luke's sons are seventeen by now and, even though they are quite different, start a bond when they meet in High-School. They are no aware at this point that their fathers once met under fatal circumstances.
I do not want to give away too much but in my opinion the third part of the film is the strongest of the entire movie. "The place beyond the pines" is pretty much carried by its actors and the beautiful cinematography. It's dark, almost gritty at times - Cianfrance took over eight years to make this film and the result is well worth the wait.
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