NO SUDDEN MOVE: Stylish and Engaging Neo-Noir
No Sudden Move, directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by Ed Solomon, is a fun and twisty neo-noir with a strong ensemble. Soderbergh crafts an old-fashioned and deeply engaging film, utilizing every member of its cast.
No Sudden Move explores the darkness, betrayals, and double-crossings within the motor race in 1954 Detroit. This backdrop works well to create a captivating noir story with plenty of opportunity to explore the nature of men and the power of corruption.
Ambiance and Pastiche
No Sudden Move works wonderfully as a love letter to the noir film and this is reflected in every area of the film. The film looks wonderful, and perfectly captures the 1950s through its production design, costuming, and vast array of cars, perfectly fitting for a film exploring the dark underbelly of the automotive industry. Throughout the film, there is never a doubt that it’s the 1950s. Every aspect of the film perfectly captures the era, and explores stylistic techniques prominent in films from that same time.
The cinematography explores the light found within the darkness, featuring beautiful scenes brought to life with small, intimate sources of light painting moments in vivid shades of orange, yellow, and blue. Throughout the film, I wished I could be watching this on a bigger screen, fully immersing myself in the way light and shadows play across the screen.
The lighting recalls the brilliant use of shadows in the noir genre offering a welcome pastiche that transports the audience to another time, another place. No Sudden Move also succeeds in its pastiche through clothing and car choices throughout the film. The fashion helps bring the era to life and separates characters, creating false dichotomies between what we expect and the persistent nature of corruption.
The subtle and realistically placed moments of humor– “I’m going to punch you now”–evoke memories of the noir pastiche and humor of The Long Goodbye. No Sudden Move paints a clear and beautifully mysterious portrait of Detroit and the automotive industry of the 1950s. The music cues create a frantic and energized tone to the film’s action. The rhythm of the film’s score permeates into every frame, allowing the audience to get pulled along for the ride, feeling every bump and twist as it comes.
Powerful Performances
No Sudden Move is brought to life through memorable and intense performances. The deceptively simple job given to Ronald (Benicio del Toro) and Curt (Don Cheadle) by Doug Jones (Brendan Fraser) is basically babysitting while armed.
This becomes much more than they were planning, and the two are quickly in over their heads. The film explores a sort-of buddy noir comedy in a similar vein to The Nice Guys between their characters. This showcases the extensive talents of del Toro and Cheadle and the captivating way they play against each other.
Brendan Fraser, having a well-deserved renaissance or ‘Brenaissance’, perfectly projects the darkness of his character in each one of his scenes, offering an engaging and intense opposition. David Harbour, as mid-level General Motors accountant Matt Wertz, gives one of the most enthralling performances in No Sudden Move. His character veers in different directions, giving moments of heart while still baring the same corruption as everyone around him.
The scenes between Matt and Paula Cole (Frankie Shaw) are wrought with tension and fire. The pair shares important conversations, pushing the action in new directions, delivering exposition through emotionally tense moments. Julia Fox as Vanessa Capelli is compelling and interesting in each of her scenes, leaving us wanting more.
No Sudden Move is a great example of a satisfying ensemble film. Everyone gives significant and robust performances, no matter how much they are in the film.
Twists and Turns
No Sudden Move captures the noir genre with its plethora of twists and turns throughout. The many directions the film goes are always entertaining and captivating.
The film builds up its story through well-placed introductions and explorations, offering new insight into its plot and characters at every turn. No Sudden Move is filled with interesting and multifaceted characters each with their own motivations and desires.
No Sudden Move shows Soderbergh exploring crime and corruption with a plot filled with so many different strings, we can’t help but be enthralled with it all, wondering what will happen next and who will be involved.
Conclusion
No Sudden Move is a twist-filled neo-noir with a compelling and effective ensemble surrounding a pitch-perfect representation and pastiche of the 1950s and the noir films of that era.
Which Steven Soderbergh film is your favorite and are you looking forward to watching No Sudden Move? Share your thoughts in the comments.
No Sudden Move was released on HBO Max July 1st.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRD1xr-dmfQ&ab_channel=WarnerBros.Pictures
Watch No Sudden Move
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