I just walked out of The Town for the second time, and for the second time I wanted to walk right back in. As a writer, I am brought nearly to tears dreaming of one day writing a film that looks like that, that has that much dramatic power. Of course, the writing and direction would be nothing without powerhouse performances from Ben Affleck, John Hamm, Rebecca Hall, and Jeremy Renner.
The story centers around Doug Macray (Affleck) a conflicted bank robber from the Charlestown neighborhood of Boston and the relationships that drive his life: his best friend and fellow crew member James (Renner), his drug-addicted sometimes-girlfriend Krista (Blake Lively), and the bank manager whom his crew takes hostage and releases, Claire (Hall). In the course of keeping tabs on Claire, Doug begins a romantic relationship that is foredoomed by his line of work and the tireless efforts of FBI agent Adam Frawley (Hamm) to bring him down.
The scenes of the movie run the gamut from gritty and emotional, to tender and tragic, to action-packed and tense. One moment, Doug and Claire are sharing about their lives; in the next, there are guns and screaming and sirens. In the middle of the opening heist, there is a moment where Doug (masked and anonymous) calms Claire as she hurries to open the vault. The scene is a less-than-subtle bit of foreshadowing, but it provides pivotal insight into Doug’s character as a criminal and as a person. He is subtle and gentle, unlike his trigger-happy right-hand man.
The Town would not have the power it does without the hard and ruthless Agent Frawley, whose pursuit of justice is near-maniacal. There were moments near the end where I wanted him to get shot (which is saying something). If anyone had questions about the versatility of the actor most famous as Don Draper, this film should answer them. The man has got chops. Yet The Town does not blur the line between right and wrong. Although the criminals are protagonists, and the law is the antagonist, it is clear that there is sin on both sides. No one really comes out clean.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the brooding and besotted Miss Lively. The desperation in her performance is almost moving, and she expresses well the things that hold Doug back from a new life—the relationships and crimes that bind him to Charlestown.
Altogether, The Town is an excellent film. It is gripping, dark, moving, and real. It is sad without being depressing, and it forgives crime without exonerating. There is an implication of redemption, and that promise makes Doug a Charlestown hero.
9.8/10.0
[I post this addendum in the hopes that it will persuade Miss Carmen Elizabeth Perez to accompany me to the theater within the next 3 weeks to see this movie for herself...Carmen: you would love this movie. When have I steered you wrong? Oh, wait...never. xoxo, Ing.]
