Good Time: A Neon-Soaked Descent into New York’s Underbelly
A low-budget, gritty crime drama, Good Time plunges us into the nocturnal world of Connie Nikas (Robert Pattinson), a small-time crook desperately trying to bail his mentally challenged brother, Nick (Ben Safdie), out of jail.
The film opens with a chaotic bank robbery orchestrated by Connie and Nick. Their escape goes awry when a dye pack explodes, and Nick is apprehended. Connie manages to evade capture, but he’s unwilling to leave his brother behind bars. He embarks on a frantic odyssey through the city’s underbelly, initially attempting to raise bail money, then hatching a plan to spring Nick from a hospital transfer. When that plan implodes, Connie is forced to improvise, leading him down an increasingly dangerous path.
The Safdie Brothers’ Vision
Directed by brothers Josh and Ben Safdie, distant relatives of renowned architect Moshe Safdie, Good Time continues their exploration of marginalized characters navigating the fringes of New York City. Known for their poetic, low-budget dramas, the Safdies previously delivered “Heaven Knows What,” a raw and intimate portrayal of a homeless heroin addict and thief, starring a woman whose life inspired the script. With Good Time, they shift focus to a fictional character brought to life by Robert Pattinson, an actor striving to shed his “Twilight” image and be taken seriously as a performer.
Pattinson’s Transformation
Pattinson delivers a career-defining performance. Any lingering doubts about his acting abilities are obliterated by his portrayal of Connie. He embodies the character with a raw energy and authenticity that has garnered praise even from American critics, who are often skeptical of foreign actors attempting to portray American characters.
A Flawed Protagonist
However, unlike the sympathetic protagonist of “Heaven Knows What,” Connie Nikas is a far more morally ambiguous figure. His only redeeming quality seems to be his love for his brother. Yet, even this affection is tainted by his inability to accept his limitations and his decision to involve Nick in his criminal activities, jeopardizing Nick’s freedom and well-being.
Connie is, for the most part, a sociopathic hustler who readily exploits the kindness of strangers, preys on both the rich and the poor, resorts to violence, and even antagonizes his own grandmother, who has sought police protection from him. While cinematic anti-heroes can often be forgiven for their transgressions, Connie’s treatment of his grandmother pushes the boundaries of empathy.
Empathy and Engagement
Your enjoyment of Good Time hinges on your ability to find some level of empathy for Connie. The film is laser-focused on his perspective, demanding that viewers invest in the outcome of his desperate quest. If you find Connie utterly unlikeable, the film may feel like a tedious slog. Conversely, if you can connect with him on some level, the film’s dynamic pacing and unpredictable plot twists will keep you on the edge of your seat. While lacking in large-scale action sequences, the film compensates with an electrifying electronic soundtrack that amplifies the neo-noir atmosphere and maintains a constant sense of tension.
A Visceral Experience
The film’s soundtrack won an award at the Cannes Film Festival.
Adding to the film’s intensity is the claustrophobic cinematography, characterized by an abundance of close-ups and extreme close-ups that create a sense of confinement and anxiety. The camera seems to peer into the faces of those around Connie, searching for signs of friend or foe (Connie has no true friends). However, the characters are often obscured by the harsh, distorting glare of neon lights, making it difficult to discern their true intentions.
There’s something hellish about the Safdies’ depiction of nighttime New York, but it’s important to remember that Connie is more of a devil than a sinner in this inferno. Ultimately, whether or not you choose to watch Good Time depends on your interest in Pattinson’s performance and your capacity to empathize with a flawed and morally questionable character. Be warned, it’s not an easy task.