Courtesy: Magnet Releasing/Magnolia Pictures
Tom Hiddleston has made quite the name for himself in recent years, starring as Loki, the evil brother of Thor is Marvel’s Avengers movies (including the standalone Thor movies). He has also been one of the key names tossed around to potentially replace Daniel Craig as the next James Bond. That could actually be a good choice in the eyes of this critic. While Hiddleston has some major movies under his belt and possibly on the horizon they aren’t his only credits. Earlier this year Hiddleston also starred in independent studio Magnet Releasing’s new art flick High Rise. This movie is a huge departure for Hiddleston from his previous offerings. Considering this, his acting in this movie is clearly worth noting. Even as impressive as Hiddleston’s acting (and that of his cast mates) is in High Rise, the movie is far from perfect. The movie’s story proves to be a matter that is certain to divide audiences. That will be discussed shortly. Its pacing is just as problematic especially considering the movie’s two-hour run time. There is no ignoring this issue. All things considered High Rise is not a movie for everyone, including Tom Hiddleston’s fans. But it is worth at least one watch for those who are able to sit through the whole thing.
Tom Hiddleston’s new indie art flick High Rise is a huge departure for the Avengers star. That is due in large part to the movie’s story and its leader character, Dr. Laing. Hiddleston’s work (and that of his cast mates) is certain to unite audiences in agreement of his talents. Hiddleston completely embraces Dr. Laing’s personality throughout the movie. As Dr. Laing tries to navigate the intricacies of the building’s clearly defined social structure the stresses of making that effort becomes increasingly clear. And Hiddleston handles the growing stress on Laing with the fullest expertise. Even as the building’s social structure collapses around him, He keeps Laing completely calm even though it is clear that he is being emotionally and psychologically impacted by it all. Hiddleston’s cast mate Luke Evans (Fast & Furious 6, The Raven, Dracula Untold) is just as impressive as Wilder. He is the perfect contradiction to Laing thanks to his…well…wild personality. Evans is perfect in the role, really showing clearly how easily the separation of classes and resources can create a negative scenario. Jeremy Irons is just as impressive as Royal, too. One could go on pointing out the positives presented by the rest of the cast. Needless to say, the combined efforts of all involved make the cast’s work one of this movie’s rare bright spots. As much as Hiddleston’s work (and that of his cast mates) does to make High Rise worth the watch, the movie’s pacing sadly offsets it.
Tom Hiddleston’s work as Dr. Laing in High Rise is undeniably the movie’s most important positive. The same can be said of his cast mates’ work on camera, too. As important as it proves to be in making the movie worth at least one watch, it can’t be said that the movie is perfect. That is due to the movie’s pacing. The movie clocks in at roughly two hours. Thanks to the story’s pacing, that run time feels far longer. Whether screenwriter Amy Jump directly adapted J.G. Ballard’s original novel or not, the movie’s pacing is still extremely problematic. It seems like the breakdown of the building’s social structure just takes far longer than it should. Even when it does finally happen, it feels as if the consequences of that breakdown take just as long. Considering this, some audiences might find themselves fast forwarding through certain points. That clearly exhibits why the movie’s pacing is so problematic. Even as problematic as it is, it doesn’t make the movie completely unwatchable. The movie’s central story and the approach to the story couples with the work of the movie’s cast to, again, make the movie worth at least one watch.
Tom Hiddleston’s new indie drama High Rise is not a perfect movie. That is evidenced through the movie’s problematic pacing. As problematic as the movie’s pacing proves to be, it is not enough to make the movie unwatchable. The work of the movie’s cast makes the movie worth at least one watch. The same can be said of the movie’s story and the approach taken to the story. The movie’s story is an over the top artsy commentary on capitalism gone awry and the consequences of trying to control social classes. It is definitely an original approach to such commentary. There is no denying that. But the fact of the matter is that said approach is so over the top that it will, in itself, likely turn off any number of viewers. That aside, it is still a story worth seeing at least once. Viewers should be warned that there is an extreme amount of sex and violence throughout the course of the two-hour movie and a healthy amount of nudity, too. So it definitely earned its “R” rating and then some. Even with this in mind, and the fact that the story will divide audiences, it is still serves to help the movie stand on solid ground, if not high ground.
High Rise, Magnet Releasing’s new offering starring superstar Tom Hiddleston, is not a movie for everyone. It is unquestionably an art film, and a total departure for Hiddleston. That being the case, it was a huge risk for Hiddleston. For his sake, it was a risk worth taking. That is because his work on camera and that of his cast mates saves the movie even with its problematic pacing and divisive story. It might not go on to become one of Hiddleston’s most well-known works. But it is worth at least one watch. It is available now in stores and online. More information on this and other titles from Magnet Releasing is available online now at:
Website: http://www.magnetreleasing.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/magnetreleasing
Twitter: http://twitter.com/magnetreleasing
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