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I’d really love
to see what director Tran Quac Bao can do with a feature length movie,
because at the rate he goes in with “Bookie,” I’d say he’s on the cusp
of a big career ahead of him. “Bookie” from front to back is a tight
small production that successfully manages to be a tense neo-noir with
some rather fantastic set pieces, and an interesting soundtrack, while
also giving us a great romance picture in the process. “Bookie” revolves
around a young man who has to take bets for his boss, a local club owner
and mobster, and suddenly has affections for a waitress who he wants big
things for, particularly relinquishing of her debts.
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“Bookie” has
a rather superb photography to it filmed in a stark black
and white cinematography that keeps the world of the Bookie
centered mainly on this night club to where he relies on for
work and security. Though apparently low budget, Bao’s
clever writing paired with his ability to convince us we’re
in another era really keeps “Bookie” as an above par noir
actioner with a sympathetic lead in Bookie who, like his
boss Jackson’s other lackies, simply wants to move on and
get out from under his shadow. |
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The
shots of Jazz singers, the closed in night club draped in shadows,
and the eventual dark alley where most of the dirty work occurs is
almost pitch perfect, and further succeeds thanks to the
performances by Ken Quitiga who is rather entertaining as the humble
bookie looking to help whom ever he can and can’t quite pull it off.
His character lacks any essence of cliché and he keeps “Bookie”
afloat. Angela Adto also shines as the often suffering waitress
Billie who is forever in debt under the club’s boss, and has a great
chemistry with Quitiga. “Bookie” could have just been a mediocre
effort, but thanks to the subtle setting, and the tight
performances, it’s a great ticket for Bao to go on to bigger
projects.
Bao’s short is
probably one of the most convincing low budget period pieces I’ve ever
seen with some rather fantastic set designs, great performances, and a
truly engaging story that balances well between neo-noir, romance, and
action. I really hope we see more from Bao in the future.
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