Underrated Neo-Noir Film That Launched Rian Johnson’s Career

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Prior to Rian Johnson breathing new life into the mystery genre through films such as Knives Out and Glass Onion, and television shows like Poker Face, he had already made a significant mark in modern cinema history with one of the most impactful and captivating neo-noir films. Known for his contributions to movies like Star Wars: The Last Jedi and TV series like Breaking Bad, Rian Johnson began his career by directing an underappreciated 2005 crime thriller/high school drama – the highly overlooked film Brick.

The film “Brick“, featuring the youthful performance of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, unfolds a tale of a student enmeshed in a complex murder investigation and school-set intrigue. A financially modest yet energetic production, “Brick” significantly boosted Johnson’s status as a highly promising director in the film industry. This underrated gem deserves more attention and appreciation from cinema enthusiasts today.

Brick Is A Neo-Noir Disguised As A High School Drama

Johnson’s Genre-Bending Directorial Debut Mixes Humphrey Bogart and John Hughes

In the setting of a regular high school housing extraordinary characters, filled with various personal struggles, the movie “Brick” initially appears to be a typical high school drama. However, it cleverly serves as both a high school drama and a modern-day film noir mystery. The film doesn’t deceive audiences by dressing up as a high school flick; rather, it skillfully exploits the shared elements between these two subgenres. By blending noir elements with high school drama for both humor and profound emotional resonance, “Brick” masterfully navigates the balance between tones and genres.

As a film aficionado, I find that Brick shares similarities with classic films like The Maltese Falcon, The Third Man, and Double Indemnity, but it doesn’t just pay homage; it twists and transforms these elements in unexpected ways, keeping viewers on their toes. This movie is a brilliant reinvention of the genre, a testament to Rian Johnson’s innovative talent that foreshadowed his rise in the film industry. The lead character, Brendan, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, is one of Johnson’s most compelling creations. His temperamental nature, coupled with brash arrogance and an air of omniscience, seamlessly intertwines with his genuine compassion, indignation, and deep-seated desire for the truth.

In this film, I find myself immersed in the storyline where I, as Brendan, am caught up in the probe of my ex-girlfriend’s murder – an event that strangely feels routine. The narrative, crafted by Johnson and Company, maintains a straightforward approach, devoid of any hint of irony, allowing the heartfelt emotions to shine genuinely. The skillful handling of the script and direction gives the impression that a seasoned, veteran director is in command – one who’s daring to experiment with the format. However, it turns out that the deft touch guiding this movie so gracefully belongs to an emerging, inexperienced filmmaker instead.

Brick Is So Much More Than A Simple Homage To Its Influences

The Film Operates Entirely On Its Own Without Audiences Needing Prior Context of Noir

The key element that makes a film successful is the capacity to evoke emotional resonance within viewers. Regardless of whether a movie boasts breathtaking visuals, high-octane action, or flawless direction, if it fails to stir some kind of emotion in the audience, it falls short. For instance, if ‘Brick’ were merely an attempt to be a clever homage to old-school films without any deeper emotional impact, it wouldn’t succeed. Instead, it avoids becoming an ostentatious display of cinematic knowledge and instead focuses wholeheartedly on its characters and their struggles, ensuring that the emotions each character conveys feel authentic – not contrived to mimic a Billy Wilder production.

As a supporter, I wholeheartedly admire Brendan’s relentless pursuit of truth concerning his ex-girlfriend’s demise, and it stirs genuine emotions within me, not due to the fact that Poker Face is reminiscent of something previously created. Timeless tales can be reimagined in fresh ways, and Rian Johnson clearly understands this. It’s why Knives Out resonates so strongly with viewers, and it’s why Poker Face has been warmly welcomed during its first season. Similar to Murder on The Orient Express, Death on The Nile, and Poker Face, Poker Face is a contemporary take on the legendary Columbo detective series, but these tributes work so seamlessly because they stand independently from their references. Knives Out offers an enjoyable experience for audiences not merely because it resembles an Agatha Christie narrative, but because people appreciate stories like those.

In essence, just like the brick itself, Rian Johnson has consistently shown an innate knack for balancing his tributes and infusing his unique perspective. The narrative flow of “Brick” subtly exposes a dark, sinister underside of Brendan’s high school environment and its students, yet it avoids the sense of being a mere ironic portrayal. There’s no hint of sarcasm or playful wit; instead, the movie feels genuine. Teenagers engage in elaborate, poetic conversations in a parking lot as if they were merely discussing post-class plans, maintaining an air of naturalness while simultaneously defying it. Despite its fantastical nature – being a whimsical storyline filled with outlandish characters – the film’s emotional depth makes it entirely believable and captivating.

Rian Johnson’s Later Films Share Many Commonalities With Brick

His Subsequent Directorial Efforts Owe A Lot To Brick

If it weren’t for the movie “Brick“, viewers would have missed out on watching the intriguing mystery film “Knives Out“. Moreover, another director might have helmed the “Ozymandius” episode of “Breaking Bad“, potentially missing out on a masterpiece. The groundbreaking debut film “Brick” has significantly brightened and enriched the American cinematic landscape over the past two decades, offering a more creative and less monotonous view. While opinions may vary about “Star Wars: The Last Jedi“, it’s hard to deny that this film stands out as one of the most original, artistically-driven, and idiosyncratic franchise films in recent years, thanks to director Rian Johnson’s unique vision. At the very least, it seems like a work created by an individual, rather than a corporate entity.

The unwavering commitment to its unique tone and atmosphere has been the key factor keeping fans engaged with Brick for years. Since Rian Johnson’s career took off, this film has garnered even more affection and backing. It stands as a classic example of neo-noir storytelling, resonating with viewers across various backgrounds due to its multi-layered themes. You don’t need to have personal connections to the high school setting, noir aesthetic, or indie filmmaking style – the universality of the movie allows it to inspire and touch people from all walks of life. It is a contemporary masterpiece that truly stands the test of time and is considered one of the greatest films ever made.

The current cinematic scene lacks a sufficient number of visionaries similar to Rian Johnson, Robert Eggers, and others, with more films like those directed by the Russo brothers being produced instead. It’s unfortunate because masterpieces like “Brick,” which demonstrate the power of artistic ingenuity when working with limited resources, deserve far greater recognition. The film’s success is a testament to the talent and dedication of every artist involved, making it nothing short of miraculous that it works as well as it does. As “Brick” was released in 2005, Rian Johnson’s career as one of Hollywood’s most promising directors is only just getting started, and we can expect him to continue producing emotionally resonant, character-driven films for years to come.

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2025-04-21 05:58