Director: Matthew Vaughn
Starring: Daniel Craig, Sienna Miller and Michael Gambon
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actors in Hollywood have created a legacy as strong as Daniel Craig. Following his rise to fame in the 2000’s, Craig has become a strong British icon. Whether it’s detectives that investigate murders, news reports or spies that face dangers, Craig has played several strong characters. Arguably, Craig’s finest strength as an actor has often been his commitment to his craft. He is one of those rare actors which has had talents for stealing the show in supporting roles which have limited screen-time. Through his ability to portray characters which prove to be compelling, Craig has built a legacy which is lasting. Although he is arguably best known for his famous role as James Bond, Craig has proven he can play characters in many genres. Throughout his strong career, Craig has made many memorable movies which are absolutely worth talking about.
I’m a big fan of Craig and adore all films that he has created in his career. However, “Layer Cake” is absolutely my favourite. Released in 2004, Matthew Vaughn’s movie offered a bold portrait of drug dealers that endure adversity. Packed with stunning action, strong story and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the finest films ever made about drug addiction. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance from Daniel Craig, who portrays a cocaine dealer enduring tension. Ultimately, what makes “Layer Cake” a masterpiece is universal appeal. Unlike most movies about drug addicts, it tackles powerful themes which everyone will relate to. A riveting crime drama about drug dealers, there’s many strong reasons why “Layer Cake” is a film that is worth seeing.
“Layer Cake” tells the story of a cocaine dealer participating in drug deals causing heartache. Daniel Craig portrays XXXX, a menacing drug dealer with a talent for selling cocaine on black market. XXXX has often gotten away in selling drugs without enduring price to pay. However, XXX’s life changes when he becomes involved in a drug deal gone wrong causing disaster. In a sticky situation, Eddie turns toward help from past friends to cope with tensions. Assisted by his longtime companion Eddie Temple (Michael Gambon), XXXX strived to resolve a drug deal gone wrong which causes tension. As all odds are stacked against his favour, XXXX strives to overcome a drug deal disaster. Facing feelings of pain, XXXX questions his devotion toward a business of cocaine.
Matthew Vaughn is a newcomer to the themes of drug addiction. Before he had made “Layer Cake”, Vaughn had never directed a film about drug addiction before. It was the director’s first attempt to capture experience of drug dealers facing adversity but he succeeded immensely. Through captivating cinematography, Vaughn captures a drug dealer embarking on a journey to find his identity. Evoking Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction”, Vaughn expertly uses handheld camera to capture drug dealers facing tension. For instance, handheld camerawork enhances drug deal gone wrong scene. During this tense scene, XXXX faces tension when he becomes aware his drug deal has gone wrong. Through breathtaking handheld camerawork, Vaughn crafts a powerful portrait of drug dealers that is compelling. Handheld camera is a complex technique to use in film. As Martin Campbell’s “Casino Royale” suggested, handheld camera elevates Bond movies. Nevertheless, it works well in this film. Through breathtaking visuals, Vaughn captures tension that cocaine dealers are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Layer Cake” that merits appreciation is action. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made Evoking Brian De Palma’s “Scarface”, Vaughn successfully uses cross-cutting to capture the grim tensions that drug dealers are facing. For instance, cross-cutting elevates the drug deal fight scene. During this intense scene, XXXX is faced with a tricky situation when he’s caught with drugs by enemies. Through cross-cutting, Vaughn crafts a portrait of drug addiction that is engaging. Furthermore, the musical score is magnificent. Lisa Gerrard’s commemorated music is key to the success of the film. It gives the film an intense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden which drug dealers bear. Using stunning production, Campbell captures hardships of commemorated drug dealers facing tension.
Storytelling is one of the reasons why “Layer Cake” is an action movie that’s compelling. The film is beautifully written, and effectively uses non-linear storytelling to convey tension drug dealers are facing. The film seamlessly switches back and forth between two distinct timelines: present scenes of XXXX’s life as a drug dealer and past life as a secretive agent. For instance, non-linear storytelling enhances the opening scene. During this intense scene, XXXX recalls his memories of his past before he became a dangerous drug dealer. Through non-linear storytelling, Vaughn crafts a strong portrait of spies that audiences can relate to. Non-linear storytelling is a tricky technique to use in films. As David Fincher’s “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” demonstrated, non-linear storytelling enhances murder mystery movies. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through an extraordinary screenplay, Vaughn captures the lives of drug dealers that face a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Daniel Craig delivers one of his finest career performances as XXXX. Craig achieved global recognition for portraying James Bond in the iconic franchise. With “Layer Cake”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a drug dealer that engages in a life of crime causing adversity, but he succeeded immensely. This is the actor unlike you’re ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and truly vulnerable in his most iconic role. Craig always excels at portraying emotional heroes that are under pressure, and “Layer Cake” showcased his greatest strength as an actor. With riveting expressions, he captures angst, bravery and resentment of a drug dealer facing tension. It’s a phenomenal performance by one of the best British actors today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Daniel Craig, the supporting cast is equally amazing and worthy of appreciations. Sienna Miller is spectacular, capturing the terror of a woman which falls in love with a drug dealer. Michael Gambon is marvellous, bringing great emotion to an elderly citizen that becomes the victim of drug addiction. Lastly, Tom Hardy is deserving of appreciation. As a gangster, he brings an air of menace to the film.
Finally, “Layer Cake” would earn appreciation of everyone for capturing drug dealers which face heartache. Unlike most movies about the lives of drug dealers, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It discusses bold themes including identity, drug addiction and trauma which will resonate among everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with the drug business to appreciate it. It delivers a profound message about addiction that would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Layer Cake” is one of those rare movies about drug dealers which everyone would adore.
Fans of Daniel Craig will absolutely appreciate “Layer Cake” and so would movie-goers which seek exhilarating entertainment. A captivating crime drama, it honours a legendary actor with charisma.
Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about drug dealers with severe addiction that face tension, it’s a dazzling reminder about a commemorated British actor with strong dedication towards his craft that has manufactured unforgettable movies which are absolutely worthy of tremendous celebration.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 