Movie Review: "The Bling Ring"

The fact that a group of rich teenagers would break into the houses of celebrities and take their clothes, jewelry and money is an unfortunate window into our world and highlights the fact that our culture worships celebrities. Its a theme ripe for analysis, and Sofia Coppola takes a stab at saying something about it in The Bling Ring, which happened to be my second most anticipated film of the year (after Spike Jonze's Her). Coppola's style is a fascinating one, as she manages to depict her films in a way that feels both stylized and simple, while always tapping into the emotions behind the drama. While she's far from universally beloved, I loved what she did with Marie Antoinette, really enjoy The Virgin Suicides, and consider Lost in Translation a masterpiece. But while The Bling Ring certainly has moments of greatness, the film is undeniably her weakest to date. Coppola brings the audience on a roller coaster ride with monumental highs, dull lows, and only a bit of social analysis where there is room for much more.

A major problem with The Bling Ring is that it finds itself stuck between two very different tones: realistic and hyperrealistic. Sometimes we'll eavesdrop on the titular group of friends during their daily conversations. Other times we'll see them dance at the club, with slow motion and blaring music used to evoke the feel that they view their lives are nothing more than never ending music videos. Both scenes work well enough on their own, but the constant cutting back and forth between the two vastly different moments is distracting and uneven. Even more troubling is that these two tones also bring two very different methods of satirizing- when the film moves at a realistic pace, the commentary is subtle and easy to miss. But other times, it bashes you over the head. The film would have been much stronger as a whole had Coppola stuck with one method of filmmaking. 

But regardless of subtlety, the satire works remarkably well. I was reminded of Jason Reitman's devastatingly underrated Young Adult during the film's quieter moments, where a seemingly random line opens a window into a character's psyche. One particularly great moment is when Israel Broussard's Marc describes himself as feeling like he's on "the b-list." It's a quiet moment, and there isn't much attention drawn to it, but it helps build the main theme of the film: many people are aspiring to be rich and known for their looks as opposed to being remembered for their good deeds. The same theme is reinforced during the more blatantly satirical moments, many of which involve Emma Watson and her mother. There is a hilarious scene where Watson is being interviewed about her crimes and impending trial and seems to only care about promoting her public image. Both scenes work well due to their content, but would have had more of an impact had Coppola stuck to just one type of commentary. 

The best qualities Coppola has as a director, however, are on display and help make the tougher moments in the film easier to swallow. For one thing, it's absolutely beautiful. The late Harris Savides (to whom the film is dedicated) has photographed some breathtaking scenes that are always crystal clear and well lit, while also realistic. At times, the film takes on a look that feels very similar to a documentary. But the film also includes some glorious, slightly stylized shots including a terrific burgling sequence shot from outside the house in one, long take. Coppola's unique but inspired use of music is also in full force. With a soundtrack made primarily of rap, it helps to emphasize the party lifestyle these kids are leading. But songs like "All of the Lights" by Kanye West or Frank Ocean's "Super Rich Kids" drive home the main theme of the movie. Add in some Phoenix tracks and the incredibly addictive "Crown on the Ground" and you have yourself one hell of a playlist.

The cast also uniformly strong. Coppola's decision to cast mostly unknowns pays off big time, as Israel Broussard and Katie Chang (the film's leads, regardless of what the trailers lead you to believe) turn in spectacular and wholly convincing performances. Not once do they seem like they're acting. Instead, it feels like the actors have truly become their Bling Ring counterpart. The only A-lister in the cast, Emma Watson, also turns in her finest post-Potter performance as the comedic relief of the group. It's a hilarious performance that Watson absolutely nails. Hell, she's funnier in this than This Is the End. But during her most dramatic moment- as she is arrested- she singlehandedly drives another major theme from the film home- these aren't criminal masterminds, but kids making (really terrible) mistakes. 

The Bling Ring may be Coppola's worst film to date (though I haven't seen Somewhere) but it's hardly a bad one. Even with some highly disjointed moments, Coppola gets a lot right and absolutely nails the satirical scenes. Add in the finest teen cast in ages and you've got a solid drama. Granted, this could have been a great drama. But I'll take a solid drama any day. 

OVERALL GRADE: B-