Michael Fassbender plays The Counsellor – a greedy, opportunist lawyer who desperately wants to make more money to appease his new fiancé, the naïve, unassuming Laura (Penélope Cruz). He therefore goes into business with the shady, eccentric Reiner (Javier Bardem) and his reckless girlfriend Malkina (Cameron Diaz), as he gets embroiled in a drug trafficking scheme, with Westray (Brad Pitt) working as his middleman. As this is a first-time dalliance into this dangerous vocation, he soon finds himself way over his head, as this supposedly straightforward endeavour swiftly turns into a complete disaster for all involved.
The most noteworthy aspect to this intense thriller, is the outstanding screenplay, as the dialogue is so ingenious and penetrating. It’s by no means naturalistic – people don’t speak in this film how people speak in real life – but that doesn’t take anything away from the immensely intelligent writing. This is cinema, after all, and a sense of disbelief is required in some of the most masterful of productions. The setting works wonderfully too as a compliment to this dark narrative, as a murky ambiance exists, as we pick up on Deep South sensibilities. Also, the very fact the drugs are being transported via trucks carrying nothing but excretion, there are a handful scenes that may just turn your stomach. Meanwhile the film is incredibly tense and suspenseful, as our lead characters all become increasingly paranoid they are being followed and watched, and such a notion extends to the viewer, making for an uncomfortable piece of cinema. Much like our protagonists, we seek out all possible adversaries, spending as much time looking over Fassbender’s shoulder as we do focusing on the scene at hand.
Talking of Fassbender, there is an argument to be had that he’s simply the finest actor in world cinema at present, a sentiment backed up by yet another sublime performance. Given he’s sharing his scenes with such a talented group of performers, to still act them all off the screen is a more than commendable achievement. He is blessed with the most intriguing of characters though, going on a journey that takes him from being a confident, charismatic lawyer – to a pathetic, timorous man. Scott also plays heavily on his romance in the early stages, and it’s imperative to do so. We need to see our lead in such a buoyant state, enjoying life so vivaciously, to therefore maximise the impact of the devastation later on. Bardem comes in a credible second place as far the performances go, while further enhancing the conspiracy that there’s a secret game ongoing in Hollywood, to ensure the Spaniard is given the silliest haircuts imaginable.
The Counsellor makes for compelling cinema, and though pensive and slow-burning at times, the patient viewer is rewarded, as this is a thought-provoking and captivating thriller. If that isn’t enough to convince you, then at least go to see one of Hollywood’s biggest stars make love to a static car, if only to see exactly how that might actually work.
[Rating:4/5]
