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Synopsis
Michael Radford (IL
POSTINO) brings an artful touch to Edward Anderson's
screenplay with FLAWLESS, a serious account of a remarkable
heist at London Diamond, one of the world's premier diamond
holders. Set in 1960s London, the film focuses on Laura
Quinn (Demi Moore), a woman so driven she's chosen career
over personal life and found her way into the boys' club
known as the diamond business. As Laura gets overlooked for
a manager position year after year, she resolves to work
even harder, hoping that, despite her history, her efforts
will one day pay off. Ironically, it's Mr. Hobbs (Michael
Caine), a night janitor, who takes note of Laura's
frustration. The seemingly simple Mr. Hobbs finds a way to
use this to his advantage, proposing a plan that will only
work with Laura's cooperation. When Laura rejects the offer,
Mr. Hobbs encourages her to question just what's holding her
back, personally and professionally. While Laura's
precarious position within a male-dominated world gives her
understandable motive, Mr. Hobbs's is trickier to decipher.
The story is based on a fictional heist, but the film is
faithful to its setting. Beautiful costumes and sets and
strong attention to detail instantly transport viewers back
to a different era. Moore's performance may feel wooden at
times, but this is fitting considering the obstacles a woman
in her position and time would have been up against. Her
acting chops come through when she finally breaks down, only
to have to pull herself back together for a room full of her
male colleagues. Caine seems predictably at ease in his role
as Mr. Hobbs, who drives the plot from behind his unassuming
mop and duster. Though slow-moving at first, this stylish
thriller slyly draws its audience in as its characters take
on more depth.
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