Pain and Gain (2013)

Review

Probably not worth too much to focus on the obvious fact that Michael Bay certainly can not shoot small films. "Anabolic steroids" are modest project only in the imagination of a tyrannosaur-directed, although if you remember the "Transformers" and other Armageddon, the saying "everything is relative" takes on a particularly meaningful. In stories about con men bodybuilders in any case felt familiar to the director gigantism, range, and some shortages sense of proportion.

Other interesting here. A very interesting picture of the author's attitude to the proverbial American dream. The fact that the Bay itself, in a sense it is the epitome - a man came to wealth, worldwide fame and opportunities all day long to shoot Victoria's Secret model and monstrously stupid blockbusters. And then this fellow begins to exude a rough sarcasm and outright fun of their own kind.

Daniel Lugo, the protagonist of "anabolics" sincerely believes that his life was not rewarded - it is beautiful, pumped and adventurous, but with wealth for some reason does not add up. According to the concept of the American dream person of any origin on the forces to achieve everything - performance of social mobility peculiar way prove heroes gangster films like "The Godfather" or "Scarface." Here, of course, a fundamental error Lugo - in national ideology it is clearly a question of hard work and ingenuity, not kidnapping, extortion and dismemberment malfunctioning electric chainsaw. As a result, dullish protagonist turns out some new Russian dream - no roach in the conventional office (in this case - in the gym), and, stolen, cut to the sports car the envy of others less fortunate, counting passive income.

So - Bay somehow too openly mocks witted pitching. Heroes are set so incredible nerds who favors the fate of all the (non) conceivable way that the middle of the history of the mere spectator consciously wishes them the best possible painful punishment. Well, the phrase "stupid sheep" seems to sound from the screen ten times brighter marker again emphasizing attitude directed toward his characters. And in the case of Michael Bay all it gives a clear and frank hypocrisy glee.

Despite the general farce is happening on the screen (the most surreal moment pops up the words "Yes - it is still based on a true story") "Anabolic steroids" is hardly funny movie. Here, perhaps, appropriate to compare with "Burn After Reading" - is rather amusing to understanding what is happening, and not on the specific jokes or conversations. Although intelligent Coen - is jewelers of cinema, and Bay, sorry, is still a lumberjack with a three-meter ax.

Many people somehow believe that the director turned low-budget "Transformers", where the metal is replaced by muscle and silicone. From a visual point of view of a parallel, of course, true, but we think that there should dig a little deeper. Sorry for the vulgar analogy, but "Anabolic steroids" - a film about a man's penis. Daniel Lugo incredibly resembles an erect advantage - he is under stress, and sometimes They reflect no idea where to insert yourself.

As a member, the hero, too, and the only primitive motivation - any way to get to the desired location. When he reaches the interim target - a mansion in the prestigious and high status among neighbors blagosostoyatelnyh - Lugo / member of a little relaxed. But then again the natural instinct makes itself felt, and character into her old ways. This symbolism is very simple masculine incredibly fit - also zero brains and almost unconscious tendency in a certain direction.

More passive characters, Anthony Mackie and rocks, in turn, are similar to satellite-balls. The latter, which is typical, painful congenital cancer (the plot - the transcendent debilizmom), so it becomes a source of at least half of the problems of genetalnogo triumvirate.

Of course, this symbolism in Michael Bay could be obtained only unconsciously - an Austrian doctor would be in complete awe of this picture. However, the "Anabolic" still remain the best work of the director for seven years. Good acting, albeit a bit stalled, but not a trivial plot and extremely powerful charge of class hatred from the top down.