Demi Moore: Laura Quinn
Michael Caine: Mr. Hobbs
Joss Ackland: Mka
Jonathan Aris: Boyle
Derren Nesbit: Sinclair
Simon Day: Boland
Lambert Wilson: Finch
Kevin Willis: Lewis
Nathaniel Parker: Ollie
Nicholas Jones: Jameson
Constantine Gregory: Dmitriev
David Henry: Sir Edmond Gottfried
Directed By: Michael Radford
Written By: Edward Anderson
Release Date: March 28, 2008
Running Time: 108 minutes
Rated PG-13 for brief strong language.
In the universe of Flawless, the heist scheme relies on three factors: thoroughness, timing, and the incompetence of security guards. As a college graduate who assumed multiple security positions for extra cash, I can safely say that the field has its share of bozos. No matter how many, or how few, cameras are put in front of them, monitoring and catching every development is difficult. There will be times when the guard looks away and misses the action. However, the security team in Flawless protect the London Diamond Corporation, and once the ending unfolds, you’ll agree that this department needs an overhaul. This is a thrilling caper with an adequate aura, but it might be too clever for its own good.
Set in London in 1960, the London Diamond Corporation houses almost all of the diamonds from all over the world. Laura Quinn is the only female in the company to attain a managerial position. Her hard work and long grueling hours of overtime enables her to stay in that spot. Unfortunately, Laura’s gender prevents her from being properly promoted. This glass ceiling causes another man to rise instead of her. Meanwhile, a janitor named Hobbs has acquired a great deal of knowledge from popping inside the offices and listening to conversations. He has a personal vendetta against the company, something substantial enough that he has the desire to steal some diamonds from the enormous vault. He offers Laura a persuasive proposition to partner up and help pull it off. Unbeknownst to Laura, Hobbs has not divulged his entire purpose and goal. What actually occurs shakes the foundation of the London Diamond Corporation.
I was struck with an awkward feeling upon first glimpse of Demi Moore’s character Laura Quinn. The narrative commences with Laura as an elderly woman offering an interview on her period at the LDC, and a secret she kept hidden. Normally we see the person before they are drenched in ugly aging make-up, but this reminded me of Emilio Estevez in Young Guns II. Truthfully, Moore is extremely fair as the woman executive striving for the upper echelon. Do not anticipate a groundbreaking portrayal, but she is engaging for the most part, and her confident attitude and poise melds effectively with the substance. Moore echoes Ingrid Bergman in Notorious, Meryl Streep, or perhaps Rene Russo in a variety of roles. Laura is a woman in over head, unaware of the full implications, and constantly skeptical of her fateful choice. Moore understands her well.
Janitors are working at just about every building and corporation. We see them, but pay little attention besides the occasional hello. Michael Caine is precisely that person as Hobbs. Caine is the highlight here as he provides such a honed and nuanced performance to the lonely occupation. Hobbs smiles, does his duty, and proceeds along with his monotonous routine, but he has untapped intellect that is about to be summoned and released for his mysterious agenda. Caine is no stranger to characters that clean and take orders, so stepping into the shoes of Hobbs is an ideal fit. Caine has been mixing it up with regard to his project selections for quite some time. He can do a blockbuster such as The Dark Knight or a modest independent picture like The Quiet American. If Danny Ocean’s gang ever needed a replacement, Hobbs would be the next best option.
With the juicy supporting roles, the plot issues don’t seem as gaping. Lambert Wilson, also known as the Merovingian in The Matrix Trilogy, is Investigator Finch. His elegant modus operandi instills such refreshing flavor to a paper thin role. Joss Ackland is Mka, the chairman of the London Diamond Corporation. He is well known as Hans in The Mighty Ducks. Ackland supplies a ruthless panic that proves his talent. Derren Nesbitt is Sinclair, a popular British actor that stands out with his intimidating contribution as a Syndicate member tied with the diamond company.
The story structure of Flawless almost backfires on screenwriter Edward Anderson. By revealing a key portion right away, it always carries the potential to weaken the impact of the payoff. Fortunately, the tracks are covered admirably, and the cast is exceptional. The amount of plot twists, turns, and clandestine motivations was a smidgen convoluted and overkill, but at least it was entertaining and not clumsy. While all the events and holes are explained, one will find themselves saying “I’m not sure if I can swallow all this” (no pun intended). In other words, questions will be raised, answers will be given, but will the viewer accept them? That is for you to discover and decide on your own. Personally, I was iffy, but other positives compensated for the flaws.
Director Michael Radford’s previous efforts, The Merchant of Venice, and the Oscar winning Il Postino demonstrate his adeptness in crafting elaborate, yet earnest material to the screen. He institutes a classic Mission Impossible sort of approach that is heavy on suspense and sleuth sequences and light on chases, explosions, and gigantic production set ups. An indisputable strength to Radford’s refined techniques is the rumor that this was based on an actual robbery. Those reports are false, but the mere fact that the possibility was circulating augments Radford’s abilities to shape a gripping film with Anderson’s organic script.
The beginning of Flawless shows the journey a diamond takes from the moment it is located in Africa (or wherever), to the time it is purchased by a lucky couple. Similar voyages can be seen in Blow with drugs and Lord of War with bullets. It is a superb way to greet moviegoers. Maybe Magnolia Pictures and Warner Brothers are joining to concoct an unconnected diamond franchise. Blood Diamond exposed how they are dug up, Flawless focuses on the storage of them, and now all we need is a story on buying them in stores. An idea? Maybe not. Despite some discrepancies in the intricate tale, this was satisfactory, and worth the time spent.
The 411: Flawless might not be the first choice for a movie to see in the theaters, but give it a chance. The set design is magnificent, the plot is entertaining, and the acting is first-rate. The storyline does trip occasionally along the way, but the faults are not excessive enough to vote a thumbs down. This will find its audience on DVD I’d bet. This is the type of film parents and couples will love to watch on the couch. I say it gets an easy 3 stars.
