6 Underrated Crime Film Classics

6. In Bruges (2008)

Dir. Martin McDonagh Cast: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes In Bruges has its feet in two worlds- it€™s a crime classic and one of the most hilarious comedy films I€™ve ever seen. It€™s about two hitman (Colin Farrell and Bredan Gleeson) hiding out in the Belgium city of Bruges after their last hit went wrong. It€™s a hard film to sell, but if this isn€™t the best cult comedy of the 2000s, I don€™t know what it. In Bruges is a joy from start to finish- a dark, dark comedy and about as quotable as Withnail & I (seriously, after In Bruges you€™ll never be able to hear the word €˜alcoves€™ in the same way again.) In Bruges died at the box office but Martin McDonagh managed to pick up a nomination for Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars, and it€™s a crying shame it lost. McDonagh, originally a playwright, writes some magnificent characters and lines, and In Bruges loses nothing through repeat viewings. The film is shot beautifully and really makes the use of its setting, despite Colin Farrell€™s character€™s opinions of Bruges: €œIf I grew up on a farm, and was retarded, Bruges might impress me.€ McDonagh has a strong visual sense as well as a great ear for dialogue. I know a lot of people who don€™t like Colin Farrell, but say they like him in this movie. No offence to the actor, but I doubt he€™ll ever get a better part than this, and he acts his little socks off throughout. And big shout-outs have to go to Brendan Gleeson- you€™ll probably know him best as Mad Eyed Moody from the Harry Potter films. I always thought he was a brilliant character actor and in this he excels- making Ken into a sympathetic character. That and his cocaine face is genius. In Bruges is one of the best cult comedies out there. It€™s one of those movies that as soon as you€™ve seen it you feel the need to share it with somebody else. Those are my underrated crimes classics. Anything you think I€™ve missed, let me know in the comments.
 
Posted On: 
Contributor
Contributor

Daniel Williams is a writer from Solihull, UK. His influences include Orson Welles, Bob Dylan, tea, and Snoopy. His personal blog is http://teatieredpen.wordpress.com or you can follow the gentleman on Twitter @DRWilliams14