Blue Ruin

An American indie film, released in 2013 and written/directed by Jeremy Saulnier, Blue Ruin is a gritty, suspenseful modern noir that skirts the boundaries of thriller and drama. Set against the backdrop of a revenge plot that unfolds in an unexpected, human and captivating way, it features Macon Blair in the lead role with commendable performances by Devin Ratray and Amy Hargreaves.

The central narrative of the movie revolves around Dwight, a character who embodies the very essence of an 'everyman', in an engrossing portrayal by Macon Blair. His character is complex, notably flawed and undeniably authentic. Hauntingly silent, he embodies the shell of a man who has been crushed beneath the weight of something devastating in his past. Reduced to living a vagrant life in the rusty shell of a battered blue Pontiac on a Delaware beach, he is shattered, fragile, and a heartbreaking emblem of human breakdown.

However, the relatively quiet existence of the tragic, disheveled protagonist takes a drastic turn when an unexpected piece of news triggers a series of events, pushing him to embark on a violent path of retribution. This transformation forms the crux of the story, pushing Dwight into the dark world of revenge and retribution.

The brilliance of Blue Ruin lies not only in its unconventional storytelling but also in its grounded depiction of violence. The film's approach to violence is not casual; rather, violence is broadcasted as something fatal, which bears severe consequences. It's not about action heroes with implausible abilities, but ordinary people like Dwight, finding themselves entangled within its vicious circle, showcasing their resulting desperation, fear and vulnerability in the face of such dire straits.

Devin Ratray provides a noteworthy performance as an old school friend of Dwight, lending moral complexity to the narrative, while Amy Hargreaves depicts the character of Dwight's estranged sister, mirroring his own pain and tragedy in her poignant performance. Both characters feed into the narrative of the film, offering soft tones to the overall gloomy atmosphere and contributing to the unpredictable plot progression.

The title 'Blue Ruin' appropriately mirrors the melancholic vibe of the film and symbolizes Dwight’s life post-tragedy, portraying his transformation and demise throughout the narrative. His life has been ruined, and everything he touches seemingly turns to ruin as well. This encapsulates the core essence of the film, depicting an ongoing cycle of violence and trailing the impact it has on all those involved.

The cinematography plays a pivotal role in knitting together the fabric of the narrative. From the establishing shots of the Delaware beaches to the capturing of intricate details in the intense sequences, the cinematography aptly captures the mood of the story, rendering the visual narrative as engaging as the plot. The setting of the film adds an additional layer of visual storytelling, with various locations playing host to the unfolding narrative.

Another striking feature of Blue Ruin is the intentional scarcity of dialogue. It’s the silence which speaks volumes about Dwight's state of mind. The sparse use of dialogue lets emotions, actions, and visuals speak for themselves, resulting in a storytelling style that draws viewers in, wrapping them in a cloak of suspense and foreboding.

Blue Ruin is a contemplative exploration of the routines of violence and revenge, revisitng a well-trodden genre with fresh eyes. It is a powerful display of filmmaking that showcases how the experience of revenge often has a grim outcome. It serves as a specific reminder of how revenge is an act of passion that incorporates within itself an almost tragic certainty of regret and profound loss.

By the end of this gripping tale, viewers are left contemplating the catastrophic cycle of violence, the futility of revenge, and the immense cost of hatred; themes which resonate long after the end credits roll. Despite its violent undertones, Blue Ruin emerges as a poignant study of human nature, unflinching in its portrayal of the brutality of vengeance, and achingly real in its depiction of the human cost of a cycle of violence caught in a maelstrom of revenge.