film criticism by maryann johanson | since 1997
Grim treats, mining suspense and urgency from intensely plotted dual timelines of brutal criminality. A must for fans of rumpled, cynical, bitter detectives.
Socialism as cool and sexy and radical? Is this a fantasy realm? No, it’s 250 years ago.
I’m not sure I’ve seen a more superfluous film that Fincher’s pointless second take on a story that was served supremely well onscreen so recently.
See it if you love movies with compelling characters doing fascinating things and overcoming tremendous obstacles to get to an immensely satisfying end. You know: the things that movies are supposed to do, but rarely seem to manage.
