Film Festival review: The Bling Ring

Sofia Coppola's 'The Bling Ring'.

The Bling Ring was one of the New Zealand International Film Festival films I had been looking forward to see the most. It has gained a lot of hype, especially as it marks a bold step (in the right direction) for actress Emma Watson as she breaks away from the Harry Potter franchise.

Based on Nancy Jo Sales' Vanity Fair article The Suspect Wore Louboutins, and the actual events of the Hollywood Hills burglaries in 2008 - '09, The Bling Ring offers an insight into the world of the teenage robbers.

The 'Bling Ring', as they were often referred to by the media, consisted of a group of celebrity obsessed high-schoolers, who decide to break into the homes of their rich and famous idols. Some of their victims include the likes of Orland Bloom and Miranda Kerr, Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton, from whom they stole over $3million worth of clothes jewellery and cash.

Director Sofia Coppola, offers her distinct aesthetic style of film making, feeling a lot like her 2006 film Marie Antoinette. Rich with colour and beautifully edited. Cuts of paparazzi footage and Facebook picture uploads reflect the teens desire for fame, yet the grainy filter helps move the film away from the typical glossy Hollywood movie, to put the film itself in contrast with it's content.

Also, bizarrely enough, Paris Hilton let Coppola film inside her home, where only 4-5 years ago the actual home invasions took place.

The young actors bring a believability to their characters, especially actress Katie Chang, playing the unruly ring leader and instigator of the thefts, Rebecca. As well as Israel Broussard as Mark, the stylish teen who gets caught up in Rebecca's exciting and dangerous life style. However at times the dialogue feels a little too contrived, but perhaps that only helps emphasise the shallowness of these Californian teens.

The Bling Ring is entertaining throughout and worth seeing if you get the chance.

Stars: 3.5/5
Director: Sofia Coppola
Cast: Katie Chang, Israel Broussard, Emma Watson
Running time: 90min
Rating: R16

For more showings of The Bling Ring check out nziff.co.nz

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