‘Suburbicon’ is the sixth movie directed by actor George
Clooney. He’s turned into a fine helmer with his eye for characterisation
generally hitting its targets. But even good directors stumble
occasionally as ‘Suburbicon’ proves. Although infused with his gift for
well-drawn off-kilter personas, his latest effort disappoints. An
examination of the ‘dangers’ of suburban life in 1950’s America, ‘Suburbicon’
only shows a modicum of Clooney’s directorial flair.
Gardner Lodge (Matt Damon) is an office worker with a
secret. Supporting his family including wife Rose (Julianne Moore) and
son Nicky (Noah Jupe), Gardner’s life soon turns askew. This is due to
the presence of shady types including hitman Ira (Glenn Fleshler) and Hightower
(Jack Conley). How these people enter Gardner’s life is slowly revealed as his
hoped-for peaceful utopia is shattered in ways he never could have foreseen.
There’s nothing worse than watching a movie trying too
hard. ‘Suburbicon’ feels like a quirky crime thriller in the style of the
famed Coen Brothers directing team. It doesn’t work due to unlikeable
characters and muddled direction. Clooney has done better and it’s strange how
he let the production run away from him. It isn’t the fault of the actors
who perfectly embody their characters even if a few over-play them to the point
of distraction.
The mix of humour and drama doesn’t quite work although the
social commentary on the rampant hypocrisy of 1950’s attitudes is well
realised. These elements show how good ‘Suburbicon’ could have been which
makes viewing more frustrating. The predictable resolution provides
little excitement with the story swiftly collapsing into a mess. When you
tire of its nasty characters within a few minutes of it starting you know a
film is in trouble with their eventual comeuppance providing merciful relief.
‘Suburbicon’ is the least of Clooney’s directing output.
Unfocussed, confusing and scrambling towards its conclusion, it fails to
register as required watching. Clooney has the talents to recover from this
setback with his determination to succeed sure to provide a better vehicle next
time.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 5
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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