Very Big Shot

Very Big Shot is a Lebanese film released in 2015, directed by Mir-Jean Bou Chaaya and starring Alain Saadeh, Fouad Yammine, and Wissam Fares. A riveting fusion of crime, comedy, and drama, the movie presents a unique take on the crime genre, featuring Lebanese life in a distinct blend of bleak realism and sardonic wit.

The film centers around the lives of three brothers, Ziad (Alain Saadeh), Joe (Fouad Yammine), and Jad Haddad (Wissam Fares). Ziad, the eldest and natural leader of the trio, operates a small pizzeria in the heart of Beirut, which serves as a front for their real business of narcotics. Despite their involvement in the underworld, the brothers dream of leaving the world of crime and establishing a legitimate business.

Ziad is the ruthless head of operations, a charismatic yet dangerous figure, committed to securing a future for his family away from the reaches of the underworld. Joe, the middle brother, is loyal but naive, with an upbeat demeanor that belies the grim realities of their life. Youngest brother Jad is the heart and conscience of the brothers, often caught between his love for his siblings and his deep-seated desire for a more normal life.

When their supplier, a powerful local crime boss, gets arrested, Ziad sees an opportunity to establish his business in a highly profitable and dangerous venture, smuggling a large shipment of drugs out of the country. Through a series of bizarrely fortunate circumstances, Ziad concocts an ingenious plan that involves aspiring filmmaker Charbel and the production of a movie as a cover-up for their illicit activities. The film-within-a-film concept adds an extra layer of intrigue to the narrative, as the line between fiction and reality starts to blur.

As the brothers navigate the perilous world of drug trafficking, their loyalty to each other is tested. Ziad's plan draws the attention of not only the police, but also rival drug dealers, and an unexpected ally in the form of a politically ambitious TV talk show host. The film delves deeply into a world of corruption, media manipulation, and political conspiracies, painting a vivid picture of the Lebanese society and its various intricacies.

Throughout the narrative, the filmmakers balance this intense crime plot with moments of deadpan humor, highlighting the absurdity of their predicament as they become more entangled in their own devious plot. This mix of darkness and humor is one of the film's unique strengths, turning what could have been a standard crime drama into something genuinely distinct and engaging.

Meticulously shot by director Mir-Jean Bou Chaaya, the film captures the vibrant and chaotic energy of Beirut, with its bustling streets and frenzied nightlife juxtaposed against the stark realities of crime and violence that lurk in the shadows. The cinematography lends a gritty realism to the film, reflecting the bleak yet hopeful lives of its protagonists in its contrasts of light and shadow.

In terms of performances, Alain Saadeh delivers an outstanding portrayal of Ziad, imbuing the character with a magnetic intensity that adds depth to his morally ambiguous character. Fouad Yammine and Wissam Fares provide excellent support, effectively bringing out the unique characteristics and dilemmas of their characters. The cast's performances, combined with sharply written dialogue, create a strong sense of character and place, enhancing the powerful storytelling.

Very Big Shot is not a typical crime thriller. It breaks away from the traditional mold both stylistically and thematically, offering a fresh look at Lebanese society through the perspectives of its complex characters. With elements of comedy slipping into the mix of suspense and drama, the film effectively takes the audience on an unpredictable journey that both entertains and challenges. The film's underlying commentary on social issues and the media, presented in a thoroughly engaging manner, also contributes to its lasting impact.

Critically acclaimed at various international film festivals, Very Big Shot stands out as a bold piece of Lebanese cinema that pushes boundaries while still entertaining its audience. The storytelling is powerful, the performances are potent, and the setting is vividly realized in all its frenetic energy and stark contrast. For fans of crime films and those interested in the complexities of contemporary Lebanese society, Very Big Shot is sure to leave a mark.