Guy Ritchie’s “Revolver” Reveals Its Mysteries – During End Credits!
SPOILER ALERT!!! THIS REVIEW IS ONE BIG SPOILER!!!
The most amazing thing about Guy Ritchie’s 2005 release “Revolver” is the end credits, and I mean that as a compliment.
“Revolver” is enigmatic for an action picture. When the end credits roll, not everyone will “get it.” It seems to almost make sense, but not quite.
Maybe that’s why Guy Ritchie made the unusually brilliant decision to interview some real-life doctors of psychology and edit their comments into an explanatory montage played over the closing credits.
What are they discussing?
The human “ego,” which is exactly the lynch-pin that “Revolver” hinges upon. The whole thing is about the human ego manifesting itself– feeding the image of one’s self worth with respect, or money, or fear.
These desires drive the main characters through the story. Jason Statham (from both Guy Ritchie’s “Snatch” and “Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels”) stars as an ex-con with a grudge. He’s out to make a fool of Ray Liotta, the crime boss who sent him to jail in the first place. Along the way, Ritchie fills the film with typical action fare– plenty of drugs, guns, and shoot outs.
But as “Revolver” draws to a close, the plot resolution starts to feel awkward. There are increasing internal monologues and seemingly uncharacteristic outbursts of charity, and even non-violence.
This is not a BAD thing. It is essential to the premise of what “Revolver” is really about. The real villain to be conquered is the “ego,” and those who do not conquer it can only self-destruct.
Keen viewers may figure out this symbolism before it’s over. If not, Ritchie pulls back the curtain during the end credits and basically spells it out. Speaking as one who DIDN’T “get it,” this made me appreciate the film immeasurably more. It was cool to see some secondary interpretation of the film’s art without having to sift through DVD extras.
“Revolver’s” psycho-analytic underpinning will not find favor with everyone however. Roger Ebert’s half-star review is particularly venomous. But give “Revolver” half a chance and it’s unique structure may win you over.
“Revolver” takes a big gamble, and the pay-off is this: A slightly-below-average picture becomes slightly-above average if you buy into it. And I did…
…But not until the end credits.
Grade: B-
What’s Jason Statham’s best picture? Or Guy Richie’s? I say “Snatch” is the answer to both.
Post your thoughts.
I have to say that I enjoyed it. Wouldn’t call it a flawless film, by far, and there are things that Ritchie promises to explain eventually in the DVD commentary that he apparently never got to.
But as far as the revelations about the Ego, it has helped me dramatically in my own evolution. And it’s true, the credits help tie everything together so well. This is an older post so I don’t know if you grabbed the DVD… if so, the DVD commentary track isn’t bad, but the interview with the producer and the director was lacking. They went mostly into technical explanations.
Lifer
July 10, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Great movie- even with the mistakes. I like the risks Ritchie took in the film. I love the characters. Freedom through destruction of the EGO – It works for recovering dope fiends. Chess cons gangsters- awesome way to illustrate it! I watched this movie four times in a row. yes im obssesive- I did the same thing with snatch and im on my way to the movie store to get swept away. Avi, Sworder, Lord Jon, Doreen- I like it I like it.
XSrider
August 18, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Wow. Reading Ebert’s review is like watching his Ego go berserk, just like when Jake Green’s Ego did the same inside elevator. It’s like Ebert couldn’t stand himself.
Jason
March 5, 2009 at 11:29 am