Audio Austinist: Rian Johnson, director of Brick

In his first-feature film Brick, director Rian Johnson set own to make a noir detective film. But he was tired of seeing the same old characters playing out similar storylines. He wanted to bend the genre, so it would still look and feel like a noir pic, but with a different sensibility. Enter, high school.

Brendan Frye (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) has just received a disturbing call from his distressed ex-girlfriend Emily (Emilie de Ravin). She's gotten herself tangled in a mess that could get her hurt. She needs Brendan's help. But for what, exactly? Whom has she crossed? How can he help her? And who else is involved? The classic questions any good detective must uncover to get to the bottom of a mystery that threatens to blow up in his face. With the help of his trusted friend "The Brain" (Matt O'Leary), Brendan must enter the dark, surreal underworld of a high school narcotics ring to get at the truth. A wrong step on this thin ice could drop him cold.

Soaked in references to the great noir movies of the 40s and 50s, and paced with a rhythmic, jazzy language of the cinematic private dick, this high school drama is a delicious ode to the past with characters firmly rooted in the present. Sprinkled with surreal nods to David Lynch, this genre-bender will keep you smirking while it keeps you guessing. It's Chinatown meets Cruel Intentions with a screenplay by Dashiell Hammett and starring a high school version of Humphrey Bogart. It may have the feel of a film student having a little fun with genres, language and cinematography, but Johnson earns a pass, as the viewing experience is just as enjoyable for the audience as making the film must have been for the young auteur, one whom you will know doubt hear much more from in the coming years.

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"Brick" Showtimes

Check out the film's excellent website, or engage directly with Johnson on the director's forum.

*Podcast produced by Kristina Barnett.*
*Music from the Podcast comes from Austin's own Funk Shui. Check em out online.*