Ned Rifle

Ned Rifle is a fascinating 2014 movie steering the final saga in Hal Hartley's Henry Fool trilogy. The film showcases the unique attributes Hartley is praised for: enigmatic stories, haunting visuals, engaging dialogue, and character performances with depth and complexity. It stars Aubrey Plaza, Parker Posey, and Robert John Burke, who bring intriguing personas and compelling narratives to life on screen.

The film revolves around the movie’s eponymous protagonist, Ned Rifle, played by Liam Aiken. A young man on the reparative pathway of redemption, Ned Rifle's journey through his troubled past, upbringing, and family history forms the backbone of this agilely paced film. The story kicks off as Ned sets out to kill his father for ruining his mother's life, revealing an inner tumult and festering outrage that has been stored up through his adolescence.

Aubrey Plaza delivers an entrancing performance in a very different role from her usual comedic streak. She stars as Susan, an enigmatic woman with her unique interest in the Rifle family. With a demeanor that oscillates between creepy and vulnerable, she provides an intriguing subplot to Ned’s journey. Her understanding of the family's past and connections to it brings a fresh dimension to the overarching narrative, with Plaza shining in an eerie and commanding role.

Meanwhile, Parker Posey portrays Fay Grim, a character she originated in the second film of the trilogy. Posey's portrayal of Fay is complicated and engaging. As Ned’s mother, her journey goes from absurd to tragic, mirroring the complex trajectory of her character from the previous film. Her life, full of tumult and intrigue, intersects Ned's in touching, funny, and occasionally shocking ways.

Burke, playing the infamous Henry Fool, infuses his character with a sense of simultaneous charm and revulsion. As much of the plot revolves around him and his actions, his presence, though minimal, casts a significant shadow over the narrative. Burke's portrayal of Henry, with all his flaws, reveals a human side to the character that adds nuance and depth to the story.

Within the film, Hartley explores themes of personal accountability, the difficulties of escape from one’s roots, and the confusing, often painful journey to carve out an individual identity apart from familial ties. The film operates in a universe that feels tangible, yet contains elements of the surreal that Hartley is known for, with humor that often borders on the absurd. This inclusion of comedy creates a contrast with the film's dramatic moments, heightening the sense of intensity.

The cinematography is worth noting as well. Beautifully composed shots coupled with Hartley's distinct visual style give the film a timeless quality, enhancing its story's inherent poetic nature. The staging, composition, and color palettes create a visually stunning landscape where the characters' dramas unfold.

The movie's score and original music, also created by Hartley, serve as the film's heartbeat, guiding the viewer's emotional journey and adding another layer of depth to Hartley's unique cinematic world. The music subtly underpins the unfolding drama, effectively driving the film's emotional resonance.

Ned Rifle is a cinematic experience that manages to touch on universal themes while telling a distinctively personal story of its titular character. Its biting dialogue, passionate performances, and riveting storyline make it a tour de force conclusion to Hal Hartley’s groundbreaking trilogy.

Viewers unfamiliar with the previous two films may find it somewhat dense going at first, but as the plot unfolds, the power of the storytelling and the magnetism of the performances make this a movie not to be missed. For fans of Hal Hartley's unique style and the trilogy, Ned Rifle is a rewarding and thought-provoking final chapter.

Altogether, Ned Rifle is a film steeped in melancholic beauty and poignant moments, anchored firmly by excellent performances, tight scripting, and stunning visuals. It is a journey within a cinematic odyssey that tugs at heartstrings and lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.