The best science fiction is able to offer us the unexpected. Whether it deals with space exploration, unusual creatures, or in this case, time travel, the genre is constantly striving to take risks, and show us new things. Although the subject matter on display here is mostly well-trodden, it is impossible to argue that this movie doesn’t follow suit. Looper is a film that refuses to settle for predictable.
The film revolves around two different points in the future; the year 2044 and another 30 years following that. The story begins in the former, introducing Joe, one of the hitmen which the film draws its title from. Portrayed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, his sole responsibility is to ensure the murder of specific targets get sent back by a group in 2074. Joe’s life operates with monotony; each day he promptly kills his target, collects his pay, and retires into a night of drugs and emotionless sex.
This routine is turned on its head when Joe is sent back a mysterious man, portrayed by Bruce Willis, who is able to knock him unconscious and escape. We eventually come to realize that this is actually the future counterpart of Joe.
In order to correct this mistake, Joe is forced to track down his future self, who is really himself looking for an unknown target. The pair are also being pursued by Joe’s employers, who are attempting to erase this major blunder. The plot progresses with an exciting pace, never letting up; there is an ever-present feeling of tension. The tail end of the film seems to force in unnecessary action, but this fails to take away from what is a rather unexpected and challenging conclusion.
The performances here consistently deliver. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who has had a stellar year so far, handles his character with terrific complexity, proving that he is fit for lead performances featuring adult characters. Bruce Willis has a fantastic sense of confidence, surprisingly handling a lot of the emotional weight of the film.
The film also showcases a terrific performance from Emily Blunt, in a role that develops significance as the plot progresses. The majority of the supporting cast, particularly Paul Dano and Jeff Daniels, all do good work here as well.
The thing that stands out the most in Looper is its incredible visual sense. Aside from a few awkward effects shots, everything seen in this film is striking. At every turn there is magnificently crafted slow motion sequence, or wonderful action set piece. Director Rian Johnson operates with a brilliant simplicity, and what the audience is provided with is a visual feast.
At any point Looper could have rested on the laurels of its inventive premise, settling into the mundane practices of the modern blockbuster. But it never accepts this, perpetually pursuing the unfamiliar. I’m not sure what aspirations Rian Johnson had when he set out on this project, but whatever they were, judging by his ambitious finished product I do not expect that they were left unrealized.
