Red, White & Blue (2010) - Simon Rumley

Simon Rumley's Red, White and Blue is a visceral experience that is both resonant and original.  This is Simon Rumley's follow-up to 'The Living and The Dead' and as much as I like that film, this film is even better mostly because of its richer dramatic elements.  The main protagonist of the film is Erica, a young woman, who is pretty much a vagabond who happens to be a complete nymphomaniac.  Erica is the type of person who spends more nights together with various men than she does alone.  Erica is the type of person that keeps herself closed off to the rest of the world, that is until she meets Nate, a kind yet mysterious veteran who becomes her friend.  Nate isn't just another man who wants to have sex with Erica, and because of this their bond grows as Erica finds something she rarely has with any man, friendship and companionship.  The film takes a very interesting twist when the other main character, Franki, begins to look for Erica about half way through the movie.  I can't really go into any detail because its a film that defies descriptors and must truly be experienced.  The film is very well crafted and messes with tone a bit, shifting focus at times between the three main characters who are all connected, with Rumley spending plenty of time focused on exploring these characters psyches.  Much like his previous film 'The Living and the Dead' this film just can't be pigeon-held into one specific genre - It's violent, touching, intense and disturbing at times.   As I stated the film is very visceral and the camera work and sound design really do a great job at creating the tone.  Rumley's Red, White and Blue is an intense experience that captures the not only Rumley's abilities as a director but as a storyteller in crafting this unique and somewhat controversial story.

8.75/10

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