Imagine you're in a city of dreams, a place floating on water, where time seems to play tricks on the senses and stories whisper through the canals. Venice is that city, and ‘Once Upon a Time in Venice’ is that story. Imagine a sunny Los Angeles odyssey, transported to Italy’s enchanting canals, starring Bruce Willis as Steve Ford, a down-at-heel private investigator whose life is as cluttered as the streets of LA. The moment ticks set everything in motion: A dog named Buddy goes missing, stolen by a ruthless gang, and Steve's mission is clear—get Buddy back at any cost.
The film lit up screens in 2017. Directed by Mark and Robb Cullen, it embraces the chaos of private eye antics laced with comedic moments. Venice is not just a setting; it’s a character in itself. This Venice isn't Italy, though; it's a playful twist, standing in as a metaphor for LA's sun-soaked, tinsel-town darkness amidst the literal brightness.
Mapping out the streets of a Venice-like LA, intertwined with Steve's need to reclaim dignity and loyalty, the film packs action, and humor, with a frenetic pace. The comforting hand of familiarity from Bruce Willis takes center stage. This juxtaposition of a Venice that isn’t quite Italy challenges the storytelling rules, yet it paints a flattering picture of the chaotic world its characters inhabit.
Films like these often get mixed responses because they blur genres and play with expectations. Some critics might argue that ‘Once Upon a Time in Venice’ stumbled across its narrative execution, while others see it as a cheeky homage to the action-comedy genre. It represents a slice of the movie landscape where eclectic actors step into roles that diverge from their norm. John Goodman, Jason Momoa, and Thomas Middleditch add texture to this tapestry of oddball characters, adding to the unpredictability of the plot.
While global cinema often defers to storytelling traditions, this film asks how much disbelief can be suspended in favor of thrilling absurdity. The idea is a bit like stepping into Venice's winding alleys without a map, trusting that each twist will bring something wonderful, or at least unexpected. It raises a question about authenticity and perception—does the film need to be grounded in reality, or should it let fantasy lead the way?
For those keen on cinema that leans into disarray more than logic, 'Once Upon a Time in Venice' is a whimsical ride. It may not reach the enigma of a baroque masterpiece, but it offers a mosaic of fun. It’s like a movie night snacking through a bag of assorted candies, each treat revealing a new flavor.
Viewed through a politically liberal lens, the film can also be seen as a statement on the fluidity of cultural identity. Venice, here, serves more as an allegory—a stand-in for ideals and dreams, where real-world Venice intermingles with Hollywood’s version of any city. This representational blur beckons introspection on how we construct cinematic spaces. In the real world, cities may reflect diverse realities and dreams, but this imaginative twist highlights that invention on screen is limitless.
If this film were human, it might be the scruffy free-spirit who doesn’t quite fit the mold, refusing to be predictable and challenging norms. The movie presents us with something lighthearted during a period when divisions, both on-screen and off, often appeared deep and unyielding. It suggests that, regardless of where a story takes flight, there’s ample room for cultural exchange and shared laughter.
An opposing perspective might question the effectiveness of its humor or its broader social commentary. Some might find the drift between seriousness and silliness a detractor rather than an asset. While they acknowledge the fun factor, supporters would argue that sometimes the trip through whimsical waters doesn’t demand an anchor in reality.
It's important for stories to give space to diverse approaches. They need space for humor that offers reflection not merely as an escape but as a lens on life’s chaos. And ‘Once Upon a Time in Venice,’ with its layers of absurdity amidst very real settings, encourages that conversation effervescently.