Ryan Gosling in The Place Beyond The Pines / Image courtesy of Focus Features
Don’t expect a crime thriller when you see The Place Beyond the Pines. Arguably marketed as an action flick with substance, the film is in fact a three-act drama. It follows the story of a locally famous stuntman, Luke Glanton (Ryan Gosling), who resorts to robbing banks as a means to provide for an ex-lover, Romina (Eva Mendes), and their son. Desperate to prove himself as a father, his bank heists become more frequent and dangerous. But after a sloppy bank robbery, he crosses paths with local police officer, Avery Cross (Bradley Cooper), which ends in a game-changing standoff.
The second act focuses on Cross and his struggle to escape the rampant corruption taking place within his precinct. Similar to Glanton, Cross has an infant son and wants more for himself and his family. The film ends with a drawn out third act, taking place fifteen years later. The final act sheds light on the sons of the two main characters and how they’ve been shaped by the past.
Written and directed by Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine), there are obvious influences from his past work. At times the film is slow, but overall it’s a cinematic achievement about the relationship between fathers and sons, and how sons will ultimately feel the burden of their fathers’ mistakes.
Eva Mendes in The Place Beyond The Pines / Image courtesy of Focus Features
Who Should Watch It: Fans of Blue Valentine and Drive
Who Should Not Watch It: Those expecting a fast-paced cops and robbers thriller–this is a DRAMA
Bradley Cooper in The Place Beyond The Pines / Image courtesy of Focus Features
