Good Time

First rewatch since last time I saw this in late 2020 or 2021 maybe? This is the most creative one out of the anxiety trilogy by far due to the limited resources. Hell, this movie came to fruit because Robert told the Safdie's via email that he wanted to do a movie with them and rest is history. And the fact they created something so thrilling with a 2 million dollar budget speaks volumes of how when the right people make something together, they can truly make it great no matter what. I remember in an interview with Robert that they literally filmed the heist scene without telling the authorities and they could easily get arrested it they were caught. I don't think most people understand how genuinely crazy that is directing-wise. The best part is they got those shots perfectly. Talent really shows when artists are restricted. Speaking of talent, wow. I would like to thank captainmidnight for putting me on Robert Pattinson way back in early 2020 with his "The Amazing Evolution of Robert Pattinson" because without it, Robbie would probably not be my favorite actor ever. The things he did in this one was mind-blowing. It was genuinely a "you had to be there" experience—I mean, this was during the time people were outraged he was going to be the new Batman, not knowing the incredible stuff he did with his indie films. And now people were discovering Good Time and The Lighthouse, it was a sight to behold. Robbie's image slowly went from that ass actor who plays Edward Cullen to one of the best actors of our generation. I'd say he's the best in his generation right now. This year will be his year, and I can't wait for the day when people realize that him — he is our new great. I will address the horrible controversy of Buddy Duress exposing himself to the actress who played the prostitute who was — unbeknownst to Benny and Josh during filming — 17 years old. This is an unforgivable mistake that, no matter how great a director you are, cannot remain unpunished. I know Hollywood has plenty of working pedos but this is something that was quiet literally avoidable. I hope that girl is doing better because she allegedly wasn't even paid except for an extra pack of cigarettes. Disgusting. [Acting] Robbie disappears as Connie. Genuinely, you cannot see him but Connie in this one. His dynamic range that consistently aligns with the characterization of Connie is spectacular — every line delivery and subtle expression really sells you that this guy is a hidden bomb, and I will delve into it deeper with my analysis of the narrative. The "talent really shows when artists are restricted" obviously applies to the cast as well. Wow, everyone in this movie no matter how small their part was did incredible. I know I say this a lot but they genuinely feel real. Benny Safdie finally got more recognition in this one, and I was very happy that I saw him in OPPENHEIMER out of all films. Buddy Duress, who passed away, had a hilarious part with a character that is a beautiful contrast to Connie. A surprisingly humbler, loud guy and the quiet narcissist. Of course, Jennifer Leigh's small part that she put everything in good lord the actors didn't play here it's truly something special. [Cinematography] THIS HAS THE BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY OF THE ANXIETY TRILOGY! People are goddamn SLEEPING ON IT! The use of real-life lighting and colors is amazing and it reminded me of Moonlight (2016)'s cinematography. I really love the use of red and blue, symbolizing the colors of police sirens, and how it either drowns the scene or is quietly there reflecting on Connie's face — the universe telling him his inevitable fate. [Soundtrack] What is there to say? It's incredible. [Narrative Analysis] Connie is the best protagonist of the anxiety trilogy in my opinion — there's so much nuance to this guy compared to Howard or Marty. He's also the most incredibly dangerous out of the three and honestly makes Marty's antics look like it was done by a saint. The thing about Connie is that even though he will do anything horrible no questions asked, it's still coming from a place of genuine care for his brother. He's not selfish and that's what precisely makes him the true white devil. The scene where he goes inside that elderly woman's hospital room cements this, he gave her a drink first before taking a sip on his own. You know what's the worst part? He does this along other things like scamming basically everyone, but he gets a slight pass because of his charm and good looks — using every privilege he has at his disposal to take advantage of the system other white devils have paved away for him. The scene of Barkhad Abdi's security guard being falsely accused of his crimes is the nail of the coffin. This is what white power in the hands of a low life looks like. Some say that Connie is a victim because he's a product of his environment but no way in hell this man could have ever been normal this is in his own mutated DNA. And that's where we come to the line I mentioned before. In his Reddit AMA, Robert said his favorite line is "Don't be confused, it will just make it worse for me," sums up Connie in his entirety — a self-centered maniac. When Buddy Duress' Ray was just trying to make conversation with him near the end, he doesn't listen. When Ray dies, I like to think he didn't even care. That beautiful shot of him at the end was probably him thinking "Fuck I'm going to jail and can never see my brother again," because that's how he operates and that's how he will always be. A narcissist who cares — the most dangerous one. This is why no one can do this role BUT Robert Pattinson. No one has this extremely specific aura but him similar to Christian Bale's role as Patrick Bateman. It's too iconic for anyone else to take. ————————————————————— Enjoyed it better than I did way back in 2020 and is now in my top 30. WATCH IT!