The Place Beyond the Pines

I wasn't really expecting a lot from 'The Place Beyond the Pines' when I rented it from the local video store, my only knowledge that it was a film starring Ryan Gosling that had received mostly positive reviews. Yet the visuals, plot and characters all felt fresh and interesting, making it a compelling, engrossing drama, flying high beyond my expectations.

Beyond the Pines is roughly broken into three sections, each closely connected to one and other. It begins with Ryan Gosling's character as he tries to make money for his new born child through bank robbery. It's certainly very reminiscent of 'Drive' in its atmospheric tone and Gosling's outlaw character type. However, whilst I loved Drive's aesthetic value, I felt more empathy and understanding for him in Beyond the Pines. To give away more of the plot would ruin the surprise, but Bradley Cooper's character comes into it during the second half as the interweaving characters make satisfying connections.

My comparison to 'Drive' holds true in regards to the visuals too. The first half especially looks gorgeous, as Gosling cruises on his motorbike through the forest, or performs at the circus. The bank heists and one notable chase are thrilling and balance the slower, character developing or scenic segments perfectly. In fact I think I preferred Beyond the Pine's Gosling outlaw to Drive's in almost every respect.

My only gripe is that it does feel a bit long. The three sections are all significantly different in their themes and I could almost imagine them as three separate episodes in a television drama. Whilst they do link together nicely, they don't individually get enough pace to reach the momentum they deserve, and it all feels a little crammed, and relentless. I wanted a little more time to take in the cinematography, yet it was obvious the visually impressive scenes had to be cut down to make room for the rather lengthy story. As a result it feels too long rather than the deep, epic tale it deserves. I know it couldn't have been a three part TV drama but the plot certainly lent itself to that style.    

I'd be the first to hold my hands up to having a man crush on Ryan Gosling, like most people seem to these days, but the Place Beyond the Pines really is a beautifully shot, interesting drama and not just a film of pretty faces. Recommended viewing - Buy for the collection