The Girl Gets Moe

The gangster Moe and his friend Franco have made a fortune from illegal weapons deals. When Moe meets the love of his life Monica, he wants to change his life style and become an honest citizen, but while on a double date they have an accident and Monica's sister Beth dies in front of Franco's eyes. At the same time, Moe and Franco have to finish off one last weapons deal, and it turns out that Moe is about to be betrayed by someone he trusts.
In terms of plot, there isn't much that distinguishes ”The Girl Gets Moe ”from other film noir-like action films set in Los Angeles, and in fact, it is being promoted as a cross between ”Prizzi's Honour ”and ”Nikita. ”Moreover, one of the roles is played by Michael Madsen who played the most hardened of the criminals in Tarantino's ”Reservoir Dogs.”
No, rather it is through it's imagery and editing that this independent film becomes distinctive, and it is clear already during the opening credits that director James Bruce has a different schooling than most of his colleagues. Backed up by a life-long passion for painting, he attaches a great deal of importance to the visual in his directing work. It is not surprising, therefore, that Orson Wells and Stanley Kubick are among those he was influenced by.
''I paint in oils on large canvases. This is only my own personal pursuit. I never exhibit, and wouldn't care a damn if someone didn't like my paintings. When I work with film, I am constantly being judged by people, which is very nerve wracking.''
Naturally, the years with Louis Malle have also been very significant, particularly with regard to working with the actors. Louis Malle was known for being an unassuming and receptive director, who welcomed ideas and comments from colleagues while on set. James Bruce follows a similar approach when making his films.
''I'm not a control freak, and am careful to see to it that the team atmosphere remains comfortable. You often hear about directors who shout, and throw things around, but that would be completely alien to me.''
With ”The Girl Gets Moe ”James Bruce shows that he has learned to handle the action film genre to perfection. This is an apt and sharply conveyed depiction of an insular gangster world, with a streak of fierce black humour stretching throughout the film that coaxes many liberating smiles.
Lotta Svedberg