Colin Farrell is a bit good isn’t he? I hadn’t realised, but from Bruges to Batman to Inisherin, he’s consistently been putting out strong performances for years.
He once again meets that bar in Ballad of a Small Player. Unfortunately, whilst the film looks amazing, with interesting camera setups and movement, the story lacks substance. In that sense I guess it’s very much like the Macau casinos we see so much of. Based on a 2014 novel of the same name, it’s a story based on addiction and redemption. It’s a shame it doesn’t really say much.
Farrell, and the always interesting Tilda Swinton, carry the entire thing. Without them it would just be an extremely pretty tourism video for Macau. It’s odd, as the other film I’ve seen by director Edward Berger is Conclave, which was just as well acted but landed far harder.
It’s not a bad film by means and is plenty watchable. Enjoy the visuals and the performances but don’t expect any revelations. But fair warning, if you don’t like seeing playing cards being folded out of shape, watch out.
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