Rian Johnson's first film was a fusion of a Neo-Noir, Western, and High-School films. Throughout Brick, it is obvious that Rian Johnson is one hell of a writer, not to mention his direction - some of his shots are just aesthetically pleasing and feel creative and fresh. There are sound cues and visuals that one would rarely expect of a first time director, and the on-screen talent just perpetuates our awareness of it all. But enough about Brick.
A filmmaker's second film seems to be the true test. We expect that person to do not just as well - but better. Tarantino seemed to have aced this test with his debut follow up, Pulp Fiction. David Fincher, Se7en. Christopher Nolan, Memento.
Anything Rian Johnson seems to make, encompasses a palette of creative easter-eggs. That is to say that any shot is specifically framed (and if it isn't, then it certainly feels like it), the colours of any new scene actually means something, and the story - whilst it isn't necessarily anything new - feels like a fresh take on con-man movies, and the result is an awesome new yet classic tale.
There is much symbolism in this film. There is a scene in which Stephen and Bloom meet for the first time in a long while. Stephen, for whom everything seems to work out all the time, is upbeat and energetic. Bloom looks like shit, sad - as if he bears all the pain in the world, constantly. Rian Johnson expresses this visually, in the following manner: Bloom reaches for the sugar, tries to pour some into his coffee - he tries twice, nothing comes out, and he gives up, with such an existentialist look in his face, downtrodden. Stephen also likes his coffee sweetened, so he grabs it, and whilst replying to something, simply pours it into his cup - with no problems whatsoever.
If it seems like I'm making a big deal about a small scene like that - just know that this is the simplest example of intelligent filmmaking this film contains. There is a lot more.
The music, for example. The music is simply and honestly glorious. Rian's cousin, Nathan Johnson, created BRICK's soundtrack in his kitchen with Ace Hardware supplies - and it was epic. A more jazzier, funkier, more upbeat score is what we get with this, and it totally fits.
While there may be a special place in my heart for Brick, I do admit that Brothers Bloom is a better crafted film - with a palpable Heart and Soul.
