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Confidence 2003 |
Review by Jonathan Cornwell |
Directed by James Foley
R, 98 min. (language, violence, sexuality/nudity) |
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Starring: Edward Burns, Rachel Weisz, Andy Garcia, Dustin Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Brian Van Holt, Franky G.
Producers: Michael Burns, Marc Butan, Michael Ohoven, Michael Paseornek
Screenplay: Doug Jung
Cinematography: Juan Ruiz Anchia
Distributor: Lions Gate Films
Released: 4.25.03 (Wide) |
Rating:
  (out of ) |
Confidence does just enough, barely, to garner a passing grade. As con films go, Confidence is minimalist and predictable
(even the twists and surprises are telegraphed for the most part), although one begins to appreciate what director James
Foley does with a simple script, using cinematic distraction - quick swipes, flashbacks, bright hues - to keep the viewer's
attention away from the film's flaws. He's also blessed with a talented cast that knows their roles and plays to them to
their strengths, further camouflaging a rather mundane storyline. It adds up to an entertaining picture, only don't pay too
close attention to the details.
The film tries to mislead the audience both in terms of the characters and who is exactly conning whom, but this is where
it falters, as its build-up is clumsy and overly calculated. We can see what's going to happen next, at least those who are
familiar with the sub-genre. Because the film doesn't spend too much time focusing on the characters' lives or relative
importance, it feels like a chore rather than inspired filmmaking. Compare this effort with con-game masterpieces such as
David Mamet's House of Games or George Roy Hill's The Sting, and it becomes evident that Confidence is out of its depth and
plagued with plot holes. However, this isn't necessarily fair because Foley isn't aiming too high here; instead he has
fashioned a picture that may be admired more for its framing and cinematography than for its material.
As with most con films, Confidence is full of characters to distract the audience. Jake Vig (Edward Burns) narrates
the story in flashback (the film's first mistake). His crew of grifters - Miles (Brian Van Holt), Gordo (Paul Giamatti), and
Big Al (Louis Lombardi) - has stumbled onto a mark, King (Dustin Hoffman), that they didn't intend to cross. After
Big Al turns up dead, Jake realizes he must make ammends to appease King. As restitution for taking $150,000 from him,
King allows Jake and his crew - including new additions Lily (Rachel Weisz) and Lupus (Franky G.) - to pull a con on
King's rival, Morgan Price (Robert Forster), at the tune of $5 million in cash. Further complicating things are a couple
of corrupt police officers (Donal Logue and Luis Guzman) and a federal agent (Andy Garcia) who track Jake's every
move.
Foley, who also directed Glengarry Glen Ross, keeps the film interesting by moving quickly from one scene
to another with a flair for jerky editing and colorful backdrops. Although not quite a film noir, Confidence has shades
of the classic genre with darkly lit interiors and moody characters that are more than meets the eye. His direction
is impressive, especially considering the lengths to which he goes to apply makeup to the more unpleasant parts of the
film.
The highlight of the film is clearly Dustin Hoffman, who relishes the chance to play an over-the-top character who suffers
from Attention Deficit Disorder and is disheveled in every scene. He stands out amongst a group of characters that, despite
their efforts to the contrary, are more or less bland caricatures. Burns has a stylish look to his character, but he never
completely convinces us that he is a mastermind that has everything figured out before it happens. Garcia is merely
a cameo, but seems to be competing with Hoffman for "most unkempt character of the year."
Confidence is routine for the con film, nonetheless it does entertain. Whether one enjoys Hoffman's bizarre performance
or the slick look that Foley has provided it, the film does enough to warrant spending a couple hours in the theater. It's
certainly better than most films playing around it at the cineplex, but then again that's not saying much.
© 2003 Jonathan Cornwell
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 |
 | Masterpiece - Film perfection |
| Excellent - A Must See |
| Good - Highly Recommended |
| Fair - Worth seeing |
| Average - Viewable, but not recommended |
| Below average - View at own risk |
| Poor - Avoid at all costs |
| Very poor - An embarassment to the film industry |
| Zero | Awful - One of the worst films ever made |
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