Rian Johnson has created an intelligently impressive feature with Looper. Cleverly intertwining thriller elements into a time travel centered character study, Johnson uses his cast for all their worth, ultimately crafting a truly unique film experience that, as cliché as it sounds, you simply must see to believe.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, tagged with several layers of physically changing make-up, finally gets his break-out role as Joe. Bruce Willis plays the same role, only thirty-years in the future. Sound confusing? To be honest, on paper it should be. But Johnson is able to manipulate his story with such precision that you can't help but fall victim to its complexity and overall uniqueness.
Set in 2072, Looper tells of a time when time travel exists (though heavily outlawed) and is owned by the mob. When they want to rid the world of someone, they send him 30 years into the past where a hired gunman (a looper) awaits to finish the job. But every now and then, the future has to tie up its own loose ends, sending a looper's futuristic self back and thus closing the loop for good.
While the premise appears to feature several obstacles, Johnson is able to maneuver through the discarded rubble and present a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Each character serves a specific purpose, and with the entire premise as unexpected as it is, you quickly find yourself guessing what will happen next as Joe relentlessly navigates his way through life, changing his future with each new decision.
The ending will hit you like a ton of bricks as the entire concept comes full circle in a truly elegant way. Emily Blunt, Pierce Gagnon, Jeff Daniels, Piper Perabo, and Paul Dano round out this truly remarkable cast, rarely ever missing a beat as they bring forth a set of characters that are so rich with personality that you just can't take your eyes off the screen.
From the futuristic take on the world to the relentless portrayals, Looper is a truly remarkable cinematic achievement that warrants a theatrical watch. It isn't perfect, but for its unusual mash-up of characteristics, its about as close as you'll ever get.
