Layer Cake Reviews

If they would announce today a new movie directed by Matthew Vaughn and starring Daniel Craig, it would be highly expected and probably a hit. However, this movie was released 8 years ago and actually barely noticed but how could you blame the mainstream audience? Up to that point, Vaughn was mostly known as Guy Ritchie's BFF and as the producer on Ritchie's early flicks and Daniel Craig was so far a rather obscure character actor. Still, even though it was not a real success upon release, it did manage to reach cult status pretty quickly and I became rather curious about this flick. The main critic is usually that it looks too much like Ritchie's early work but even if it was indeed similar in tone, it didn't bother me whatsoever. As a matter of fact, I think it was actually a pretty smart move from Matthew Vaughn. Indeed, if you are going to make your directing debut, it is maybe better to focus on a genre that you are already familiar with instead of making something completely alien to you and making an ass of yourself in the process. The other fun thing about this movie is that it was basically some kind of warm up for Daniel Craig before the James Bond gig. Indeed, his character already displays the charisma, the coolness and the lethality needed to portray the most famous spy that ever existed. Concerning the plot, it is basically your average British crime story, not very original but still pretty funny with some colorful characters and damned entertaining. To conclude, I really liked this movie and it is definitely worth a look, especially if you like the genre.

This is not normally my cuppa, having seen Lock Stock ... and Snatch and thought them funny but only middling. Yet I loved this film (again for the refreshingly British cast) excellent writing, direction, visuals and soundtrack.

The surreal opening sequence, selling the trite but valid message that only legislation keeps recreational drugs in the hands of criminals and once/if that changes the pharamaceutical companies will become the new dealers, was spellbinding and brilliantly executed. It correctly set the tone for XXXX's assertion that he was simply a businessman, what he sold was merely a product for which there was demand.

And the realism is pretty well observed throughout; the clumsy ineptitude of Duke and his mob and their expectedly short foray into a world much bigger than they, Slasher's coke-fuelled erratics, the worldly wisdom of Morty and Gene and the self-assuredness and arrogance of Eddie Temple, it was a grubby gordian knot of interdepenancies and suspicions.

Although everything can be understood from the first viewing there are some excellent visuals, sounds and performances to enjoy again and again.

Good UK gangster film with cool characters and a brilliant soundtrack. A bit hard to follow at times, but the performance of the actors kept me glued to the screen regardless. Daniel Craig manages to portray a sympathetic yet believable gangster.

"I'm not a gangster. I'm a businessman whose commodity happens to be cocaine."

Obviously descended from the creative vision of Quentin Tarantino (and, to an extent, Guy Ritchie), Layer Cake is an enjoyably slick, visually ornate British gangster movie which provided Daniel Craig with the star-making role he deserved. Prior to his directorial debut here, director Matthew Vaughn had worked as a producer on Guy Ritchie's Snatch. and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Therefore this particular film is similarly energised and violent. Despite all this, Vaughn's low-budget crime picture falls under the unfortunate category of "Just Another British Gangster Movie". As it joyfully rattles along at an invigorating speed, it's somewhat deficient in originality and it's virtually impossible to elude the feeling that you've seen it all before in different manifestations.

Layer Cake is also one of those movies that cause you to feel dumb - if, that is, you're not dedicating every ounce of your attention to it. The plot seems moderately logical and straightforward, but (as the title may well imply) there are copious layers to absorb. The film is super-slick, stylish and enjoyable; however it's convoluted beyond all comprehension and occasionally taxing to follow.

"You're born, you take shit. You get out in the world, you take more shit. You climb a little higher, you take less shit. Till one day you're up in the rarefied atmosphere and you've forgotten what shit even looks like. Welcome to the layer cake son."

Based on the novel by J.J. Connolly (who also wrote the screenplay), Layer Cake commences with an "Obligatory Gangster-movie Voiceover Introduction™" from the protagonist only known as XXXX (Craig). This customary voiceover brings a viewer up to speed with the essential policies and workings of the cocaine dealing business. Mr. X has made a fortune in the industry by preserving his anonymity, keeping things flowing efficiently and never getting his hands dirty. With a substantial quantity of money safely invested, Mr X. intends to quit the career of a cocaine peddler, and arranges to depart from England in order to begin a new life. On the eve of his planned early retirement, crime boss Jimmy Price (Cranham) bestows him with two assignments: negotiate the sale of one million hits of ecstasy, and track down the daughter of a crime boss. Naturally, nothing goes exactly as planned.

Layer Cake offers a tremendously convoluted and bewildering plot, rampant in double (and triple)-crosses and swarming with a massive cast of vibrant characters contending for screen-time. There are flashbacks witnessed from multiple viewpoints, with significant events often cross-cut in methods difficult to follow. To prevent yourself from being left behind it's crucial to pay very close attention at all times, otherwise you'll be lost in the fast-paced developments. Fortunately, the picture is held together by the ornately-developed characters and an inherent fascination in the story. Even at its most garrulous, the movie is able to keep a viewer interested enough to at least want to decipher it. The film encompasses instances of shocking violence, but it baulks at exaggerated gore. There's also a plethora of wily humour, but it thankfully doesn't go overboard with it.

"England. Typical. Even drug dealers don't work weekends."

Taking the long view, Layer Cake will almost certainly be remembered as the picture that got Daniel Craig his James Bond gig. Formerly a hardworking but little-noticed supporting player in films such as Road to Perdition and the first Tomb Raider, Craig's charismatic turn as the unnamed protagonist demonstrated his genuine star potential. Be that as it may, though, I admit I have grave qualms about Craig as James Bond. Regardless of this, his performance is effortlessly cool in Layer Cake; debonair and deadly serious, self-effacingly droll and vulnerable, Craig shows his acting chops and ability to carry a feature.
Under Vaughn's economical direction, Craig's anonymous drug purveyor is the engaging focus of this often gripping film; an appealing and humane presence, which is a breath of fresh air after the cartoon archetypes present in Guy Ritchie's prior films. Craig believably disappears into XXXX's skin and situation, playing the predicament in an entirely convincing manner from start to finish.
There's also stalwart support from Colm Meaney, Kenneth Cranham, Jamie Foreman, Michael Gambon and George Harris (among others) who provide a pitch-perfect chorus of Britain's social underbelly - a flawlessly devised cacophony of career criminals and various wannabe cretins. Sienna Miller has the obligatory lingerie scene and nothing much else as Craig's love interest in an inadequately developed and unconvincing sub-plot. The hero's immediate infatuation with her seems out of character, even if the storyline plays a somewhat crucial role later on.

"It is vital that we work to a few golden rules. Always work in a small team. Keep a very low profile. Only deal with people who come recommended. And it's like selling anything else: washing machines, hand made shoes, blowjobs. As long as you don't take the piss people will always come back for more. And that is not to say we don't have that special kind of magic that makes two kilos into three. But never be too greedy."

The British gangland movie genre has become an over-used premise. In a national industry so tiny and in urgent need of revitalisation there are too few Danny Boyles and too many Guy Ritchies. British filmmakers cannot afford to continually rely on clichés; the industry isn't big enough to afford the luxury of recycled goods. The biggest problem of Layer Cake is that the movie suffers from "seen it all before" syndrome. No faults in the film's filmic implementation; the script just lacks original ideas. It ultimately fails to bring anything truly innovative to the gangster movie genre. The only thing setting it apart is a refreshing lack of the caricaturing and childish humour. Another pivotal setback is that it doesn't include a remarkable, show-stopping set-piece to make it more memorable. The rest of the flaws arrive at the end; it has trouble concluding the several storylines acceptably, and the conclusion feels both predictable and tacked-on. A real shame, because Layer Cake is unpredictable for roughly 80% of its runtime.

In his directorial debut, Vaughn demonstrates a striking sense of elegance and style. In addition, Vaughn's glossy shots of the London skyline draw obvious inspiration from Michael Mann (thanks to the wonderful contributions of cinematographer Ben Davis). Layer Cake encapsulates London's essence without "Americanising" it. London is depicted as it is - an affluent European capital. Filmed in Amsterdam as well as various studios in England, Vaughn's film commemorates London as much as it glorifies the drug trade within. It's a stylish and polished film, with 360-degree shots, aerial shots, and interesting up-angle shots. Most of the visual interest is derived from these fascinating camera angles. All the energy in the cinematography, coupled with Lisa Gerrard's captivating score, make this an engaging night of entertainment.

"My name? If you knew that, you'd be as clever as me."

Layer Cake is a twisty, engrossing film noir that clearly avoids being consigned as a trivial effort from "that new Bond guy". Fans of Guy Ritchie's films will most likely be extremely happy with Vaughn's directorial debut; he bequeaths his photography with buckets of style and it's a lot of fun to watch. The intensity generated by this thoughtful thriller produces often gripping moments. From start to finish, this is a riveting flick. Never is there a notable boring moment in amongst the fast-paced occurrences and intriguing visual style. The cinematography is vaguely hampered, though, by the undeniable style over substance - the film should've been a bit more original, and (for my taste) it'd also be superior if it required less serious concentration. Nevertheless, there are far worse British films in existence. This is a smart, entertaining thriller - and far more than just a footnote in a rising star's career.

"Always remember that one day all this drug monkey business will be legal. They won't leave it to people like me... not when they finally figure out how much money is to be made - not millions, fucking billions. Recreational drugs PLC - giving the people what they want... Good times today, Stupor tomorrow. But this is now, so until prohibition ends make hay whilst the sun shines."

7.8/10

Grand Assault, I think perhaps you went in post-Casino Royale impression of Daniel Craig. I saw this film a year or so ago, way before Craig was even announced as the new Bond. When I seen it, he was a complete nobody, and maybe that's why I enjoyed the film so much.

In terms of cliches that are found in guns'n'drugs gangster movies, yeah, it's probably same as all others in the genre, but what makes gangster films stand out are 'memorable scenes' and killer soundtrack, which is why a so-so average film like Pulp Fiction did so well and is loved by so many. And IMO, Layer Cake has a ton of them as well. The beating-with-coffee-pot scene, the dance club scene, the sniper scene, the wicked ending, the cell phone call with Dragan the assassin, and I especially loved the whole scene where Craig negotiates the price of stolen shipment of ecstasy with the Duke. And the soundtrack, also IMHO, is one of the best in a while, with a sweet blend of memorable club hits as well as classic Rock tunes from 'The Cult'.

Daniel Craig (the new James Bond actor) stars in this film has a great story line, lots of memorable scenes and characters, awesome quotes, and a certain 'coolness' factor to it that usually only Guy Ritchie and Quentin Tarantino flicks can achieve.

The plot starts off relatively simple, with 1 million ecstasy pills being stolen by Duke from Amsterdam and attempted to be dumped into XXXX's territory (Daniel is unnamed in the film, hence the XXXX). Sensing something is not right, XXXX tries to give this deal a pass, but its already too late as the boss from Amsterdam has already sent out a hitman on Duke and everyone associated with him. Then throw in 2 or 3 subplots to the mix, and several double-crosses and triple-crosses, and you have yourself one great movie.

This movie needs more exposure here in North America. It could get quite a following, similar to how Tarantino and Ritchie films get, if only people knew about it.