Good Time

Good Time is a gripping 2017 neo-noir crime thriller, spearheaded by the impressive talents of Robert Pattinson, Benny Safdie, and Jennifer Jason Leigh. It's disquieting storytelling at its finest, a chilling narrative that's at once seedy and seductive. The film dares you to look away, even as it concocts daring escapades and introduces disreputable characters, all within the sordid underbelly of New York City's suburban bank robbing community.

Directed by the Safdie Brothers (Benny and Josh), Good Time is a pivotal career turn for Robert Pattinson, who dramatically pulls away from his previous teen heart-throb image wielding justifiable heft to his new, grittier, darker character. Pattinson takes the lead as Connie Nikas, a low-life small-time crook, whose love for his mentally challenged brother tests boundaries in largely unforeseen and often calamitous ways.

Pattinson transforms the character of Connie into a thoroughly believable desperado, a calculating character, intensely cerebral yet reckless in the pursuit his criminal aims. Displaying outbursts of alarming intensity and teetering on the brink of panic, Pattinson paints a portrait of a person racked with a troubled past, desperate present, and uncertain future. The actor's superb performance, underscored by his exceptional ability to portray a man on the edge, is a must-watch.

Equally critical within the storyline is Benny Safdie, who plays Pattinson's on-screen brother, Nick Nikas. Working double duty as an actor and director, Safdie perfectly blends vulnerability and innocence into his character. His portrayal highlights the deep bond between the two brothers, providing the emotional fuel that drives the narrative. The relationship between Connie and Nick effectively serves as the heart of the film, effectively humanizing these flawed characters amidst their turmoil.

Jennifer Jason Leigh also leaves a remarkable impression in her brief, albeit powerful, role as Corey, a character whose relationship with Connie adds new depths to his desperation. Leigh convincingly owns her space despite the minimal screen-time, adding to this intense roller-coaster of events.

Each scene in Good Time is soaked in a neon-drenched palette, painting a grimy yet entrancing picture of the city's criminal underbelly. The film’s aesthetic is complemented by scattered synthesizer beats, courtesy of Oneohtrix Point Never, which contributes to the ominous sense of urban dread. The cinematography through the lens of Sean Price Williams, relentlessly follows Connie through dingy apartment buildings, amusement parks, and hospitals, maintaining a panoramic view of the chaos ensuing from his desperate impulse decisions.

As for the plot, without spoiling any specifics, Good Time centers around the aftermath of a botched bank heist led by Connie. As stakes escalate, so does Connie’s will to go to any length to prevent his beloved brother from bearing the consequences of his actions. A series of noir-inspired, adrenaline-fueled pursuits ensues, interspersed with twists and turns that keep the audiences on their toes.

The pacing of this movie is relentless. From the minute the movie begins, viewers are plunged headfirst into an adrenaline-rushing odyssey. The Safdie brothers masterfully maintain an atmospheric tension. Planting audiences firmly in the role of spectator, the filmmakers manipulate viewers' emotional response by pushing the envelope of empathy and disdain for Connie while navigating through unexpected character arcs and situational conundrums.

The screenplay by Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie is laced with tragedy and heartache, prompting a deeper look into the choices the characters have been forced to make. It stands as a stark exploration of class and economic disparity set within America's forgotten spaces. "Good Time" is acutely political, even as it refrains from overt commentary, subtly shedding light on the struggles of lower-income individuals caught up in a punitive criminal justice system.

In conclusion, Good Time is a provocative, wildly thrilling crime drama that unravels within the neon-lit urban chaos. It's an unfiltered, kinetic tour-de-force, powered by the exceptional performances of its lead actors and a storyline that hits hard and stays with the viewer long after the film is over. As desolate as it is dynamic, the film makes for an unforgettable viewing experience that showcases the potential of genre cinema to explore societal critiques in a meaningful, accessible way. It stands as a testimony to the Safdie Brothers' unique storytelling abilities and cements Robert Pattinson as one of the finest actors of his generation.