Good Time (2017)

I love this movie, not only is this neon-drenched movie a masterclass in the crime thriller genre, but it's certainly a testament to Robert Pattinson's versatile acting. Brilliantly directed by the Safdie Brother, the movie not only immerses the audience but also poses some thought-provoking questions regarding the United States' judicial system and the white privilege that comes with it. The plot runs as follows: A bank robber, Connie, (Pattinson) stops at nothing to free his mentally ill brother, Nick, (Ben Safdie) from prison after a bank job goes wrong. Connie launches himself into a nightlong odyssey through New York's dark and dangerous criminal underworld.

For starters, Robert Pattinson is amazing. First time I watched this movie I barely recognized him. He captures the role fully, his eyes constantly darting and his body rigid and tense at all times. He brings the character of Connie to full front, embodying this antihero to the fullest. Not at one moment did I remember Pattinson's earlier work on Twilight did not once come to mind as I witnessed the character of Connie. Ben Safdie, who plays Nick, is also brilliant as we truly feel sorry for the situation he's put into. Safdie's acting is spot on and helps bring this character to life.

I think it's also essential we look at who the character of Connie really is. Throughout Good Time, we witness Connie do some truly morally ambiguous things which include: using his mentally ill brother to rob a bank, making out with an underage girl, steal a car, etc. Yet Connie feels almost entitled to do so, as we see throughout how he justifies his behavior. We know that he hates authority, not only in the police but even his grandmother and the social workers attempting to help his brother. Connie is a person who thinks of himself as better than all the people around him. Connie even says in a conversation with Ray that "I am better than you". Yet through Good Time we also see how flawed the justice system is. Upon the aftermath of the bank robbery, Connie attempts to get Nick out through a bail bondsman yet he is short of ten-thousand dollars. He knows he must get Nick out soon due to his brother's handicap. Throughout the movie, we see the risk that Nick faces and we, as the viewer, realize that the prison system provides no comfort to even those with mental handicaps. Connie's actions are flawed yet they aren't helped by the system in place. Good Time tests how far the audience is willing to go to understand their protagonist. When Connie is inevitably arrested, I found myself in a very strange state of mind as I didn't hate Connie but I sure as hell didn't support him or even relate to him.

Good Time subtly discusses the prevalent white privilege that runs in the justice system while also demonstrating what type of person Connie really is. The man is a chameleon, capable of blending into every environment he comes across. Throughout Good Time, Connie changes outfits around five times. We see Connie slip out of every close encounter, using people to get out of every close call and his race. We see him use his far older 'girlfriend' (more like a sugar ma) to try and get bail cash, he uses the elderly black lady to stay at her house and even steals her car. He also uses her underage granddaughter to his advantage but making out with her and using her phone, etc. He beats the shit out of the black security guard at the amusement park and then steals his uniform, impersonating him. He attempts to steal Ray's lean in order to make money. The white privilege is clearest in one particular scene: when the police arrive after the security guard at the theme park catches them, Connie wears his uniform. The white cops don't question if he is who he says he is for one moment, and arrests the drugged up black man. They then arrest the aforementioned black girl for being around the area. We also notice that ninety percent of those incarcerated with Nick are African-American.

Pacing wise, this movie is masterfully done. Good Time holds onto you and never let's go. There are little pauses that little the audience predict what Connie might do next, but it's not enough time to feel bored. This paired with a beautiful, yet jarring soundtrack and shaky camera movement create unrivaled. thrilling viewing. Cinematography wise, this movie nails it. Good Time is neon-drenched and filled with incredible contrast. The camera very rarely pauses, keeping the audience at the edge of their seats. Not only is it hypnotic, but it submerges the audience into this gritty world. The color usage is amazing, dripping with saturation almost as if it was from the cyberpunk genre. The soundtrack is also perfect, lacking words and comprised of synthetic noise. It almost feels like it continues to build as the movie continues, adding to the suspense. 

There's a lot that goes on in this movie that is only obvious if active viewing is engaged. I've seen it a couple times now and after each viewing, I notice more and more about what's going on between the lines. What intrigues me about Good Time is that it feels like a world so distant to our own yet it's a contemporary piece. Good Time feels like a modern-Scorsese piece, capturing the seedy underbelly of America. This movie is a masterpiece in the crime-thriller department, creating an experience like no other.

Upon finishing Good Time, the audience feels almost dirty, we realize there really is no morally white or black, only hues of gray.

- GL

9 / 10

 (Above) My favorite shot:

(Below) runners-up: