Review: Fighter Pilot Film 'Devotion' Is A Compelling Character Study
Manuel San Bento
November 28, 2022
One of the most difficult and unfair obstacles that movies sometimes have to overcome is public opinion when another movie in the same genre becomes a big hit the year it's released. High, often completely wrong. , expectations. The sequel to " Top Shooter: Maverick " is probably the biggest blockbuster of 2022, but it was the action movie that became the main reason for the love of the audience around the world. The Engagement couldn't have been more unusual, focusing on its complex characters and leaving most of the action behind…
The choice is far from correct. Just as a sequel to Top Shooter has every right to follow a more generic action genre style, The Commitment can succeed as a character study. Throughout the history of cinema, there have been many variations on the same narrative concept when looking beyond the genre. Some films focus on the realization of the funniest moments, others are more interested in creating specific characters, and some try to tackle different areas with equal dedication. There is no more right way than another.
Of course, most viewers prefer a movie with pure entertainment, so "Allegiance" will not reach as many people as other movies with military planes and manned , but it does not have to. Director JD Dillard pays homage to screenwriters Jake Crane and Jonathan AH Stewart by focusing on the pilot's two leads, Jesse Brown ( Jonathan Mears ) and Tom Hudnery ( Glenn Powell ). Sure, there are action sequences that are touching, but because of the emotional connection to the characters, not the action.
The key words were mentioned earlier: character study. The traditional Hollywood teaching of Jesse and Tom's relationship and their personal lives in a very intimate and real way shows that they have no place in the Brown family or in this military group. Every interaction between Majors and Powell has a thrilling authenticity, thanks in large part to the unexpectedly emotional performance of the actors. Both represent the opposite example of toxic masculinity that is truly vulnerable to another person.
Dillard's Devotion explores the common moral dilemmas in such stories. How much is a deep friendship worth compared to an honest and unbiased mission statement? It is often said that it is better to hear the harsh truth than to tell a sweet lie, but aren't there times when silence is the best answer? And personal sacrifices? "True friends are the ones who are there when we need them the most" is a phrase that perfectly sums up the relationship between the two sweet characters and fosters emotional investment.
This devotion does not go smoothly . In addition to a slow pace that doesn't always work, the narrative structure is somewhat repetitive, with the above questions being asked over and over again in scenes triggered by the same circumstances. Essentially, every time a character seems to take a step forward, the film takes two steps back, forcing him to go through the same development process over and over again. While Jessie and Tom's friendship is well explored, the other relatable characters are too isolated to make for interesting storylines.
From a technical standpoint, it's hard not to remember Top Gun: Maverick because of this movie. When it comes to practice, there is a relatively incorrect notion that the more precise the order, the better. When computer graphics and other visual effects are used, the audience is more satisfied and entertained. In fact, just as there are truly terrible web scenes, it is also possible to create beautiful and inspiring backgrounds that are completely fake and surrounded by green or blue screens.
Top Gun: Maverick features some of the best aerial fighter footage in cinematic history to date, and hardly any film can match its realism, involvement and innovative cinematography. However, the devotees use their weapons effectively. Although it doesn't reach the same level of adrenaline and intensity , cinematographer Eric Messerschmitt and the film's visual effects team created some stunning moments, including a surprisingly continuous one.
Last thoughts
" Devotion " J. D. Dillardo tells a story of two emotionally complex characters that proudly focuses on honoring forgotten heroes and surprisingly developing moral themes, despite a somewhat repetitive structure. This Airplane Movie may not have solid, suspenseful action, but it doesn't have to, because the engine of the movie is in the deep arcs of each character. Jonathan Mears and Glenn Powell are simply incredible, bringing an amazing precision to their roles and to their relationship. A character study that isn't as successful as its genre counterpart, but deserves to be seen on the big screen.
Manual level: B
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