rating:
(out of
4 stars)United Kingdom, Luxembourg; 2007
Directed by Michael Radford; produced by Michael A. Pierce, Mark Williams; written by Edward Anderson
Starring Demi Moore, Michael Caine, Lambert Wilson, Nathaniel Parker, Shaughan Seymour, Nicholas Jones, David Barras
Since the title asks for it, 'Flawless' is not flawless. Not at all actually, but it benefits from the fact that the heist film is so easy to enjoy. The elements for at least an entertaining example are all there, and although the result could have been better, it is rewarding. It works as a period piece - it is set in 1960's London - and the dramatic aspect adds value too. Of course it is never a bad thing to have Michael Caine as a leading man.
The first thing we see is Demi Moore, in terrible makeup, presented as an old woman living in the year 2007 or so. She is being interviewed as one of the few female managers in the 1960s and before the interview really starts she shows a big diamond. She used to work at the London Diamond Corporation and as we learn soon enough, she robbed the place. Flashback to 1960, where Demi Moore is shown in much better makeup, and actually giving a fine performance.
Through janitor Mr. Hobbs (Caine) she, named Laura Quinn, learns she is about to not getting promoted, as she was hoping, but getting fired. He tells her about a heist, perfectly planned, but only possible with her help. She wants to get back at the corporation, and although not happily, she agrees to steal an amount of diamonds not noticable for the people in charge. Mr. Hobbs however, does have his own agenda.
The strength of 'Flawless', besides the performances, is the time it takes to establish things. We learn to know Quinn before the heist is even suggested to her, and after the heist the film is not over. I like it when a film takes the time for all parts of a heist, including preparation and aftermath. Another recent example is 'The Bank Job'. Especially when all parts are at least entertaining, it is hard to ruin a film like this.
Although the story relies heavily on luck and coincidence, it is not distracting. In fact, the film brings in an investigator (Lambert Wilson) for the final acts, who himself moves forward on luck. The character fits the film prefectly so we don't really care. It has been a long time Demi Moore has made something watchable. 'Flawless' is that, and even a little more.