Trance MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +1 Content: -4

James McAvoy, Rosario Dawson, Vincent Cassel. Drama/thriller. Written by Joe Ahearne and John Hodge. Directed by Danny Boyle.

FILM SYNOPSIS: A fine-art auctioneer, Simon, becomes involved in the theft of a painting from his own auction house. He tries to double-cross the gang that has stolen the painting with him, and after a spot of violence he claims that he has developed amnesia due to a blow on his head. Now he needs the help of a hypnotherapist to recover the lost painting, and the gang is determined to get the answer. There are tensions in a love triangle between Simon, Elizabeth (the hypnotist), and Franck (the gang leader).

PREVIEW REVIEW: With its nonlinear script, an intense, thumbing background score and a hyperkinetic pace, Trance does it's best to confuse and mislead the audience so that we are, you should excuse the expression, hypnotized by the goings-on. While it incorporates many plot points found in other films and genres, still it is inventive and passionate and the cast is terrific. Alas, it is deserving of its R-rating, with the extensive violence and graphic nudity and sexuality. How they got past an NC-17 beats me.

As to the violence, it truly bothered me. Yet, those I spoke to on the way out had no problem with it. One lady admitted to being desensitized to movie content. Evidently, she’s not alone.

This brings up an interesting point about violence in our nation. While there are proponents of gun control, little seems to be said or done to stem the tide of movie pummeling excess. For some reason today’s moviegoers disassociate real-life violence with the numbing amount of media turmoil we digest.

I don’t think “normal” people are going to start slaughtering others because they see violence in the media. But not long ago a goof dressed up like Batman’s The Joker gunned down people in a movie theater. That would suggest he got ideas from movie madness. So why aren’t members of Hollywood concerned with what they churn out?

Another problem for me is the fact that so much of the film doesn’t make sense. Why does Simon, who is the inside man, attempt to steal the painting from his cohorts in the first place? Even if the reason is that he’s just plain greedy, does he really think his partners in crime won’t suspect him and therefore come after him? But then again, I may have missed one of the expositional twists, which is easy to do.

Lastly, we are subjected to full frontal female nudity. Now, as you may have perceived from comments I’ve made in the past, I like the female form. It’s a mystery and one of God’s ultimate creations. That said, we are so bombarded by sexuality that it causes us to look upon women as objects rather than people with souls. Trance is just one more movie that promotes casual sex, and then uses it as a weapon rather than a consummation of love.

The language, the sexuality and the violence (not to mention the acceptance of stealing) – these are elements not just associated with this film, but with so many others. Are these elements accepted in biblical teachings? Then why are we being entertained by them? It sounds hedonistic to me, rather than uplifting, inspiring or edifying.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Fox Searchlight Pictures