Director – Alexandros Avranas (Miss Violence, Love Me Not)
Starring – Jim Carrey (Kick Ass 2, Dumb and Dumber), Marton Csokas (Into the Badlands, Sin City: A Dame to Kill), and Charlotte Gainsbourg (Antichrist, Nymphomaniac Vol. 1)
Release Date – 2016
Rating – 3.5/5
I’m a product of my time. I was born in the mid-80s and grew up in the 90s so I enjoy the pop culture of those two decades. I prefer my horror from he 80s but the 90s has heart with their television shows and comedies. Like most people my age, I love Jim Carrey. His movies were always on the television when I was growing up. Most prefer Dumb and Dumber and Liar Liar but Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Mask, and Batman Forever were my go to films for him.
As I got older Carrey took on more serious roles like the film Number 23. It was a good flick but it was difficult to see a beloved comedian take on a serious role. Not long ago I was sent another dark drama starring Carrey. Dark Crimes wrapped production in 2016 but didn’t find a proper release in the U.S. until now.
**Spoiler Alert**The film follows detective Tadek (Carrey) who opens up a cold case involving a murdered man and his affiliation with a sex club known as The Cage that has since been closed. His interest in the case comes when the murder, which was never made public, was described in full detail in the book written by Kozlov (Csokas). He thinks he has Kozlov where he wants him but learns that this is now a game and he fell right into his trap with no other option other than to play along. **Spoiler Alert**
I had no idea what to expect when I tossed in Dark Crime. I knew Carrey could be serious if he had to but would this film follow mediocrity until the credits rolled or would it be a film that I would be proud of to own?
The acting in this one is fantastic. Jim Carrey has always been a man that carried his emotions in his face so seeing him emotionless and stoned faced gives this film a chilling tone. I can’t say this is a side of Carrey we have never seen before because the Number 23 exists but it is still strange seeing him take on this kind of role. I love it. I also enjoyed Marton Csokas performance. His performance was intense and made the story what it was. The film would have been a lot less dramatic without him.
The story for this one is very complex. In fact, it is so detailed that it is difficult to fully follow and some of the details in the story creates more questions than answers. The story was going in the right direction but someone really needed to go through it with a fine toothed comb.
Finally, if you want blood and gore you wont find it here. However, if you want seedy locations, sleaze, and a police thriller you will enjoy it. Overall, Dark Crimes is a stylishly dark thriller that puts you in mind of Zodiac and Se7en. The story may not be as intriguing but it is still a solid watch. Check it out.
I am a fan of Carrey I like his serious films this sounds like a good one.