Simon (McAvoy) is an auctioneer of fine art. He is charged with selling the rarest of paintings to the world’s wealthiest people. When an attempt to steal the latest masterpiece takes place during an auction, Simon does what he’s supposed to: he follows the plan set out for just such an event. But it goes horribly wrong when he is confronted by Franck (Cassel), who steals the painting off Simon, thus paving the way for the movie’s events.
McAvoy does a good job as the conflicted main character. Dawson ably supports him as hypnotherapist Elizabeth, but Franck is the standout character. Cassel is malevolent as the gangster/art thief. It seems he only plays maniacs, and he does so expertly – from Black Swan to Derailed, he scares me every time I see him onscreen.
However, the performers are no match for the true stars of this movie, the stars you never see – writers Joe Ahearne and John Hodge. The two have come up with a great script. Unlike most thrillers, this story has no holes, and left me mesmerised throughout.
Boyle does a good job of directing, but Trance isn’t his best film. For what it is, though, it is very good. It will make your brain hurt, and you will scratch your head for a few hours after. Just don’t expect to undergo some kind of out of body experience or major shift in world-view.
Rating: 3.5/5