Breaking & Entering
Jude Law is impeccably cast as a cinematic version of himself
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Monday, 13, Nov 2006 12:41
Directed by Anthony Minghella, out November 10th in cinemas, starring Jude Law, Robin Wright Penn, Martin Freeman and Juliette Binoche running time 120 minutes.
In a nutshell.
Family discord, love, theft and adultery
What's it all about?
Will (Law) and his business partner Sandy (Freeman) have a vision of turning London's Kings Cross into an oasis of architectural calm and set up shop in the capital, only to have their studio burgled twice during their opening week. The former is in an ailing long-term relationship with the beautiful Liv (Penn), who has a hyperactive teenage daughter obsessed with ballet. Frustrated by a depressing home environment, Will becomes increasingly embroiled with work and takes to monitoring his office for fear of future break-ins.
The perpetrator of the burglaries is a free-running eastern European delinquent, who Will finds and chases one night. In a bid to confront the thief, he pitches up at his door, only to find the boy's mother Amira (Binoche). The two have an affair, before the mother threatens to blackmail Will should he incriminate her son. And when the boy is caught anyway, Will is forced to confront his infidelity ...
Who's in it?
Jude Law is impeccably cast as a cinematic version of himself, with Robin Wright Penn (Unbreakable and Forrest Gump) as his placid long-term girlfriend. Juliette Binoche (The English Patient and Chocolat) stars as a distraught immigrant mother, who becomes Law's adulterous love interest.
Ray Winstone injects some much-needed humour into the film as a compassionate detective, while Martin Freeman of The Office fame plays Law's architectural business partner.
As an example.
"It's nice to have a man in my bed, I hope it's contagious," comments Amira's friend.
"Just don't stab me in the back: you'll fall off," says Ray Winstone's character to the young thief to whom he is about to give a lift on his scooter.
Likelihood of a trip to the Oscars
Possible. Some of the supporting cast might be recognised for their efforts in redeeming a trite screenplay, though little else should warrant a nomination.
What the others say
"The implausibly upbeat ending may be a crowd-pleaser, but ultimately it's a bit of a disappointment" - The Times.
"Flawed but complex and ambitious, a watchable, good-looking film" - The Guardian
"It feels like a cosy Hampstead-dweller's overview of immigration and the underclass" - Daily Mail
So is it any good?
Breaking and Entering is an uninspiring tale of urban amorality, let down less by its cast than by its insipid script. There is sporadic humour, rare and disappointing shots of our glorious capital and a morose undercurrent of familial discord. The meandering plot ambles along at a snail's pace, before grinding to a welcome halt. Law is as wooden as a garden shed, Winstone's contribution is unfortunately limited, Wright Penn is frustrating and Binoche inconsistent.
Even strong performances from the film's two teenage stars fail to elevate this bitty film form its risible mediocrity.
5/10
James Bevan