I think what worked well in the film was the rhythm and the pacing of the film. We are moved from scene to scene in a timely manner and each scene reveals a piece of the plot which draws us into the story. I think this is very commendable for a first time director. The film never lets up for a minute and I would hardly call it slow as another reviewer has done.
I would also disagree with others here that Caleb Landry Jones carried the film very well. To begin with he is too young and baby-faced for the circles he moves in within the film. I found it hardly plausible that he would have the underground connections as he did. Even more grating for me was that I found him entirely one dimensional in his approach - scowling, hunched over, drooling, coughing, raspy voice, the cane. ad infinitum - and this during the whole film as he is in pretty much each scene. I think a more subtle approach to the role at times would have been appropriate and more interesting for the audience. It did feel at times repetitive.
Despite Caleb's exorbitant display I had trouble seeing the person underneath. I wondered if say a young James Woods were given the role what heights the film could have reached.
Final point - The slightly indie American austere sets/costumes made the film feel a little demonstrative for me. I think this was an easy way out so to speak for the director. Cold bare white apartment (sandwiches/orange juice), cold ultra modern office with guys in suits, and the hotel with flowers. This all felt a bit manipulative but on the other hand the outdoor shots of the city Hamiliton were interesting.
I would also disagree with others here that Caleb Landry Jones carried the film very well. To begin with he is too young and baby-faced for the circles he moves in within the film. I found it hardly plausible that he would have the underground connections as he did. Even more grating for me was that I found him entirely one dimensional in his approach - scowling, hunched over, drooling, coughing, raspy voice, the cane. ad infinitum - and this during the whole film as he is in pretty much each scene. I think a more subtle approach to the role at times would have been appropriate and more interesting for the audience. It did feel at times repetitive.
Despite Caleb's exorbitant display I had trouble seeing the person underneath. I wondered if say a young James Woods were given the role what heights the film could have reached.
Final point - The slightly indie American austere sets/costumes made the film feel a little demonstrative for me. I think this was an easy way out so to speak for the director. Cold bare white apartment (sandwiches/orange juice), cold ultra modern office with guys in suits, and the hotel with flowers. This all felt a bit manipulative but on the other hand the outdoor shots of the city Hamiliton were interesting.