Snatch (2000) Dir: Guy Ritchie

Instagram post:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHv0vsVtNUE/?igsh=MTl3enU0aHdkcnY5aA==

Guy Ritchie only knows how to make one kind of film, with the bizarre exception of the live-action 'Aladdin', and I'm not really a fan of that kind of film. However, this particular one is considered to be a bit of a classic, which tempted me enough to give it a go. The very talented ensemble cast didn't hurt either.

Unsurprisingly, the film was visually and stylistically typical of Ritchie. It had all his hallmarks; including fast-paced cuts, a frequently very blurry camera, and various other disorientating editing techniques designed to create that smash-cut style that Ritchie loves so much. In some of his other films, it's pretty unbearable, but, for the most part, I thought it was okay here.

While I did find quite a bit of the comedy pretty funny, some of it definitely hasn't aged well, particularly in regards to the language used. The dialogue was snappy and back-and-forth, as it usually is with Ritchie films, and while some of it was really strong, other bits were just a little like pulling teeth, in that, the dialogue chased punchline after punchline, rather than furthering the story effectively.

The film felt very long, despite only being a shade over the one hundred minute mark, and having seemingly break-neck pacing from start to finish. I liked the story, I would like to emphasise, but it seemed to go on forever. There were also a lot of characters and moving pieces, which lead to the film feeling a little convoluted at times, and meant that there was a lack of character development.

I may not be the biggest fan of Brad Pitt, but his acting was pretty good here, albeit his Irish accent was a little bit much at points. Meanwhile, Jason Statham played the usual Jason Statham character, that being a cockney-talking tough guy, although, I will admit that he did this quite well, in fairness.

I thoroughly enjoyed the performances of Stephen Graham, Lennie James, and Vinnie Jones - I think these three actually provided the best displays of anyone, honestly. Beyond those, there were a fair few others who deserved at least a mention for their efforts, most of which were positive; Alan Ford, Dennis Farina, Robbie Gee, Benicio del Toro, Rade Šerbedžija, and Ade.

Overall, I thought this was definitely one of the better Ritchie films I've seen, though it still had its issues. If it had been ten-or-so minutes shorter, I'd have liked it even more, I think. Once again, though, it does feel like another samey film from a man who makes very samey films. I get that he has a style, and that he has fans who enjoy that style, but it feels like I've seen one, I've seen them all, to an extent.