The Lookout

Originally Written and Posted at Epinions.com on 3/31/07 w/ Additional Edits.

Written and directed by Scott Frank, The Lookout is about a young man, damaged from an accident several years ago who is left mentally impaired as he's forced to right notes and things to get his life going. When he meets an old friend from high school, he suddenly takes part in a bank heist that would eventually go wrong. Frank, who has been known for writing screenplays in films like Get Shorty, Out of Sight, and Minority Report makes his directorial debut where he takes a different approach of the heist film. Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt Jeff Daniels, Matthew Goode, Isla Fisher, Carla Gugino, Bruce McGill, and Alberta Watson. The Lookout is a smart, intelligent character study/heist film from Scott Frank.

The star hockey player in his high school and one of the top students, Chris Pratt (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) seemed to have it made. He had rich parents in Robert and Barbara Pratt (Bruce McGill and Alberta Watson) and was someone many idolized. Then one night after prom, he and some friends were on his car where playing around until a seriously horrifying accident happened leaving Chris damaged. Four years later, Chris is alive but mentally and emotionally impaired as he can barely remember the accident or put things in order. Even opening a simple can opener can be troubling. He talks to his counselor in Janet (Carla Gugino) about his day-to-day problems while he lives with a blind cook named Lewis (Jeff Daniels). In the day, he goes to school to improve his sequencing order while at night, he works as a janitor in a bank for his boss Mr. Tuttle (David Huband) and trying to work as a teller with help from Mrs. Lange (Alex Borstein).

Then one night after work, Chris goes to a bar where he meets a guy named Gary Spargo (Matthew Goode) who claims to have known him back in high school. Gary buys him a beer as the two begin to meet frequently as Gary introduces him to a former dancer named Luvlee (Isla Fisher). Chris is invited to a party where Luvlee told him she remembered him back in school at a championship game he played as she seduces him. Chris enjoys the company as he was invited to a post-Thanksgiving dinner where he learns of a plan involving a bank heist at his own bank. Chris at first doesn't want to get involved but Gary tells him it will be the only way to get away from his own mundane, repetitive life. Chris gives in eventually with a bit of help from Luvlee while Lewis notices a change in Chris' attitude and the company he's surrounded by. With Chris unwittingly takes pictures of the bank, he doesn't become aware of what is really going on.

With the heist going underway, tension begins to mount as Chris is wondering if he's doing the right thing. With Gary and his gang deciding to rob the bank at night with Chris being the lookout, he realizes he's in a lot more than he bargained for.

Heist films often has this sense of tension where things could go wrong during a heist and this film plays to the tradition of heist films of the past. The only difference about this movie is that it's really about this young, emotionally/mentally damaged young man who is sucked into a world of crime as an escape to his own mundane, repetitive life. Writer/director Scott Frank creates a momentum where the audience gets to know Chris Pratt and all of the things he's done in his day-to-day life. Even when he has to remember things, he has to write them all onto a notepad. It's really an engaging character study of this young man who becomes part of a heist as he gets into a moral dilemma.

The way the heist is set up reveals how Chris at first, gets into it by trading a jacket his mother bought him to the way he reacts to his own mundane life. Then once the heist comes around, there is this eerie tension that Frank sets up where it's known that something goes wrong. Whether it's a visit from the deputy watchman in Deputy Ted (Sergio Di Zio) comes in to check on Chris. To the moment they break into the vault and knowing that trouble is coming around.

Then there's the line "whoever has the money, has the power" which then becomes a game about power. Gary wants to use the money to lure Chris into all sorts of temptation until Chris' own conscience gets the best of him. While mainstream audiences might find the film's momentum in the first two acts to be jarring, it pays off in the third act. Particularly in the ending where it doesn't play to Hollywood conventions or has twists. Everything plays out straightforward. Even the characters who each have some back story while Gary is also flawed in a physical way since he carries an inhaler. Overall, the film's smart writing and very observant, stylish direction works as Scott Frank makes a hell of a debut.

Helping Frank in his visual presentation is cinematographer Alar Kivilio whose intimate camera work in the interior settings play to the film's tension, notably in the heist sequence. The exterior work shot on location in Canada as Kansas works to play up to the film's cold feel including the opening sequence that involves fireflies. Production designer David Brisbin and art director Dennis Davenport help bring the American look to create the bars and apartments that Chris lives and works in. Costume designer Abram Waterhouse also adds to the look of dark colors for most of the cast to convey this aura of darkness. Editor Jill Savitt really shines with her stylistic editing to convey the tension and suspense while giving the use of flashbacks to reveal the troubling emotions of Chris. Sound editor Kelly Cabral plays to the film's tension, particularly in the final moments to convey the cold weather and what is to come. Composer James Newton Howard brings a very melodic, moody score to play to the troubling mind of Chris Pratt as well as the suspense during the heist and its aftermath.

The film's cast is wonderfully assembled with small performances from Janaya Stephens and Marc Devigne as Chris' older, adult siblings, David Huband and Alex Borstein as Chris' bank supervisors, Sergio Di Zio as the comical Deputy Ted who often gives Chris donuts, and Laura Vandervoort as Chris' former high school girlfriend Kelly who brings an eerie presence to the film. Playing Gary's gang are Morgan Kelly as Marty and Aaron Berg as Cork who are both excellent while it's Greg Dunham as Bone that really brings an excellent presence with his black long hair and black sunglasses. Carla Gugino is excellent in her one-scene performance as Chris' caseworker while veteran actors Bruce McGill and Alberta Watson are fine as Chris' parents who struggle their attempt to reconnect with their son.

Known to audiences for her comedic work in Wedding Crashers, Isla Fisher is wonderful as the sexy seductress Luvlee with her charming, vibrant charm while Fisher shows a bit more of her serious side in a very intriguing scene with Jeff Daniels where she proves that she's more than just some pretty face. In a performance that is really against type, Matthew Goode is superbly terrifying as Gary Spargo. Known to audiences for his romantic work in movies like Chasing Liberty, Imagine Me & You, and Woody Allen's Match Point, the British actor plays against his good looks for a shaved haircut and a beard as this tough, manipulative robber who want to have money and power while using his wits to manipulate the fragile Chris. Goode is truly a revelation as he proves his range, even doing an excellent American accent. Veteran actor Jeff Daniels is also superb as the blind Lewis whose comical comments and wit brings a lot of needed humor to the dark film while being the only friend that Chris has while trying to keep him grounded in the world he's being sucked in. It's a fantastic performance from the veteran actor.

Finally, there's Joseph Gordon-Levitt in another winning performance as Chris Pratt. What is more shocking in this angst-ridden, emotionally troubled performance is the restraint that Gordon-Levitt brings. There's a way he stands and how he is quiet when doing his work or writing in his notepad. The way he observes things with silent. It's a very minimalist performance that could've gone wrong with some huge outburst. Yet, Gordon-Levitt remains still though at times, he curses and tries to deal with his emotions. When he's sucked in, he becomes a bit more selfish while remaining restrained and right to the end, he becomes a full-on acting powerhouse. This is not the same child actor we've known in Angels in the Outfield or the teen from 3rd Rock from the Sun. Joseph Gordon-Levitt proves he is for real and has what it takes to carry a film like this which he's also proven in films like Mysterious Skin and Brick.

The Lookout is a smart, engaging, entrancing crime drama from Scott Frank featuring a wonderfully leading performance from Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Fans of heist films will enjoy the tension and momentum it builds up while mainstream audiences should give the film's slow build-up a chance to be sucked in. With a fantastic supporting cast including Jeff Daniels, Matthew Goode, and Isla Fisher, it's a film that features great performances, witty dialogue, and great scenes that audiences can enjoy. Yet, the film really belongs to both Frank and Gordon-Levitt as a new director has now emerged while Gordon-Levitt continues to become a force in American Cinema. For anyone wanting a smart alternative to some of the big films this spring, check out The Lookout.

(C) thevoid99 2012

Out of Sight

Based on Elmore Leonard’s novel, Out of Sight tells the story of a bank robber and a U.S. marshal who fall for each other as the robber plans a big robbery on a businessman. Directed by Steven Soderbergh with a screenplay by Scott Frank, the film is a crime movie with a sense of humor and sex appeal as it marks Soderbergh’s first foray into mainstream filmmaking following a period of unconventional films. Starring George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, Ving Rhames, Steve Zahn, Don Cheadle, Dennis Farina, Catherine Keener, Isaiah Washington, and Albert Brooks. Out of Sight is an entertaining yet stylish film from Steven Soderbergh.

After another bank robbery that was almost successful, Jack Foley (George Clooney) is back in prison. This time in Florida, Jack calls his ex-girlfriend Adele (Catherine Keener) to contact a couple of his friends in Buddy (Ving Rhames) and Glenn (Steve Zahn) to help him out on an escape. Meanwhile, U.S. marshal Karen Sisco (Jennifer Lopez) is celebrating her birthday with her dad (Dennis Farina) as she goes to the Florida prison for some business. Instead, she tries to stop an escape only to be stopped by Buddy as she and Jack are put in a trunk where an attraction ensues. During the getaway, they meet up with the Glenn who ends up screwing things up when he takes Karen where she nearly got injured.

With Jack and Buddy hiding out and planning to go to Detroit to rob a businessman named Ripley (Albert Brooks) whom they knew at another prison a few years ago with Glenn. It was there that Jack and Buddy learn about some diamonds Ripley had where he was friends with another convict named Maurice (Don Cheadle). Jack is still infatuated with Karen whom he calls one day as she manages to capture an escaped convict named Chino (Luis Guzman) to be part of a task force with the FBI. Yet, Jack and Buddy make another escape with Karen still carrying feelings towards Jack. Karen decides to go to Detroit to stop Jack while learning that Glenn is also there but with Maurice and his two goons in Kenneth (Isaiah Washington) and White Boy Bob (Keith Loneker).

In Detroit, Jack learns that Karen is there as the two meet again as both know what they’re going to do. When Maurice decides to change the plans for the robbery, things get a little crazy as Karen decides to follow leading to a showdown between her and Jack.

For a bank robber, the job is tricky as the robber has to get in and steal cash, and get out. A guy like Jack Foley isn’t a typical bank robber since he doesn’t use a gun but rather his charm and intellect. Unfortunately, he can’t get the job done once he’s out of the bank. When he and his friend try to make a big robbery in Detroit with some vicious criminals, the only thing that is stopping Jack isn’t the dangerous criminals and things that can go wrong. It’s his heart and it’s for the woman who is supposed to the enemy in a U.S. marshal named Karen Sisco.

The film is in a way a battle of wits and of the sexes but in a more playful yet casual manner. Jack is a guy who is very smart in the way he deals with crimes and how he plans things. Karen is a woman who is very tough and is willing to take down criminals with style. When these two people meet, sparks happens as the two are both conflicted about what to do with each other. Among the people who watch this are Buddy and Karen’s dad who are concerned about this wondering why Karen didn’t arrest them or why Jack didn’t do anything to confront her.

Scott Frank’s screenplay is very playful in the way he develops and creates fully-fleshed characters along with some witty dialogue. The humor and use of flashbacks for the film creates a story that has a very unconventional rhythm and tone. A lot of it is due to the fact that it sets up this big heist at a man’s house to find the diamonds. Yet, there’s some stops and bumps on the way for Jack and Buddy as they have to deal with Glenn, who is essentially a fuck-up, along with Maurice who is an ex-boxer with a vicious streak. Frank’s script is a highlight of the film as it helps elevates the film’s stylized direction of Steven Soderbergh.

Soderbergh’s direction is another highlight of the film for the way he presents the film by straying from the conventions of a crime film and the infusion of a love story in the film. Soderbergh use of hand-held cameras and stylish shots while also presenting things in a straightforward manner. Soderbergh’s unconventional direction goes from the way he cuts to the present narrative to the flashbacks while creating a wonderfully rhythmic montage of a smoldering yet exotic scene where Jack and Karen get it on. Soderbergh also creates different moods for the varied locations of the film such as Miami and Detroit where Miami is lively and Detroit is more eerie. Overall, Soderbergh creates what is definitely an engaging and fun crime film.

Cinematographer Elliot Davis does a phenomenal job with the film‘s photography from the bluish exterior look for the daytime scenes in Detroit to the more colorful shots of Miami. The nighttime scenes interior and exterior are presented in a more natural look while the love scenes have a more softer look to bring something that is truly seductive. Editor Anne V. Coates does an amazing job with the editing as she adds a lot of style to the film in its rhythm from jump-cuts, freeze-frames, and dissolves to keep things moving. Even the love scene where the montage of dialogue and undressing really gives the film some amazing movement as it’s the technical highlight of the film.

Production designer Gary Frutkoff, along with set decorator Maggie Martin and art director Phillip Messina, does some excellent work with the set pieces such as the hotel room that Jack and Karen make love in to the Miami places the characters interact in. Costume designer Betsy Heimann does a very good job with the costumes from the stylish clothes that Karen wears to the colorful Miami clothing that Adele wears. Sound editor Larry Blake does a brilliant job with the sound from the intense, active moments of the film such as the escape to the montage where dialogue overlays some of the things happening in the love scene. The film’s score by David Holmes is another highlight of the film for its snazzy, laid-back score that is a mix of jazz and electronic music to play up the film’s sense of style while the rest of the soundtrack is a mix of jazz and soul music.

The casting by Kathy Driscoll and Francine Maisler, with Sonya A. Avakian for the Detroit scenes, is superb as the film features an array of appearances from Viola Davis as a friend of Kenneth, Nancy Allen as Ripley’s mistress, Paul Calderon as a FBI agent in Detroit, Wendell B. Harris Jr. as Karen’s superior, and Michael Keaton in a cameo appearance as Ray Nicollette from Quentin Tarantino’s adaptation of Elmore Leonard’s Rum Punch called Jackie Brown. Other notable yet memorable appearances includes Catherine Keener as Jack’s ex-girlfriend Adele, Luis Guzman as a convict named Chino, Keith Loneker and Isaiah Washington as two of Maurice’s henchman, and Steve Zahn as the unreliable screw-up Glenn.

Dennis Farina is really good as Karen’s dad who has a very funny scene where he talks to Ray about an incident involving a convict and a woman while Albert Brooks is also good as the timid yet intelligent Ripley. Ving Rhames is superb as Buddy, Jack’s partner-in-crime who likes what he does but also has a devotion towards his sister as he is the conscience of sorts of the film. Notably as he brings some subtle humor to his performance as it’s really one of the standouts in the film. Don Cheadle is great as Maurice, an ex-boxer who takes charge over the robbery while bring ruthless as Cheadle brings an energetic performance with some humor for a very dark characters.

Finally, there’s George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez in magnificent performances for their respective roles as Jack Foley and Karen Sisco. Lopez’s calm yet cool approach to Karen Sisco is truly the best performance of her career where she proves she can be tough and engaging in quieter moments. Yet, she also oozes sex appeal as it’s the performance that made her into a superstar. Clooney’s performance as Jack Foley is a real breakthrough as it confirms what is expected from Clooney in terms of charm and sex appeal. At the same time, Clooney proves to be very funny and very direct when he is in business mode. Clooney and Lopez together are brilliant as the two have wonderful chemistry that is very restrained and full of wit as they are the highlight of the film’s ensemble cast.

Out of Sight is a remarkable yet enjoyable film from Steven Soderbergh featuring a top script from Scott Frank and fantastic performances from George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez. In terms of the films Soderbergh has done in his career, this is definitely one of his most accessible as well as one of his most entertaining. Even as its use of editing and shooting styles give something that art-house fans can enjoy. In the end, Out of Sight is a spectacular crime film from Steven Soderbergh and company.

Steven Soderbergh Films: sex, lies, & videotape - Kafka - King of the Hill - The Underneath - Gray’s Anatomy - Schizopolis - The Limey - Erin Brockovich - Traffic - Ocean’s Eleven - Full Frontal - Solaris (2002 film) - Eros-Equilibrium - Ocean’s Twelve - Bubble - The Good German - Ocean’s Thirteen - Che - The Girlfriend Experience - The Informant! - And Everything is Going Fine - Contagion - Haywire - Magic Mike - Side Effects - Behind the Candelabra - Logan Lucky - (Unsane) - (High Flying Bird)

The Auteurs #39: Steven Soderbergh Pt. 1 - Pt. 2

© thevoid99 2011