Amongst film and media buffs, it’s the age old question. Does one favour style or substance? Form over function? These are generally seen as two separate areas, the difference between intellectual, in-depth films and those with strong artistic flair. Yet, in all reasoning, why can’t a film have both?

On this subject, you’ve hopefully already seen the trailer for Trance, the latest cinema offering from Danny Boyle. If not, you should; the trailer is a perfect example of how a film can expand into both style and substance without losing its own identity. If done correctly, this offers something unique, a transient film that engages and stimulates across all areas and regions.

Why is it unique?

The unique factor of Trance, from what can be seen, has to be the fact that it’s a little bit of everything. The premise is based around a typical heist concept. A painting is stolen, but is lost in the process. This alone opens up a lot of crime themes and motifs. One could argue this is ‘substance’.

Yet the film also boasts itself as a strong psychological thriller. Simon, played by James McAvoy, is the only person who knows where the painting is, but he’s forgotten. What is the answer? Hypnotherapy. This easily opens up more ‘substance’ but it gives way for a vast amount of ‘style’ and unique qualities when combined with the original dark and gripping crime aspects; something the British director hasn’t passed up on.

The film contrasts and juxtaposes imagery. There’s Simon, who’s a polite intellectual, and then there’s the criminal underworld. Yet the trailer also threads more; we’re shown city environments and countryside spaces, all shown to suggest something more abstract and surreal. Given the fact that the film features hypnosis, this should be of no surprise. It all blends elegantly together to offer a strong combination of themes and elements seldom seen together.

This is arguably the film’s strongest point, making for exciting potential. Not only is it thought-provoking, it’s also telling a typical crime story. There’s a little bit of everything for everyone. It might appeal to your peculiar tastes, but might just broaden your horizons and introduce you to something new. Time will tell on March 27^th, when Trance is released to the public.

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