"Pusher," directed by Assad Raja, is a 2010 British crime drama that follows the story of Frank (Richard Coyle), a low-level drug dealer who finds himself in deep trouble after losing a shipment belonging to an Eastern European gangster named Milo (Zlatko Buric). The film charts one terrible week in Frank's life, as he desperately tries to stay afloat in a world of violence and betrayal.
The film's visual style is gritty and kinetic, with handheld camera work that adds to the sense of urgency and chaos. The opening credits are accompanied by swooshing sounds and bright pastel colors, followed by quick cuts and freeze frames that introduce the characters. The use of eccentric locations, such as a bridal shop and a pet store, adds an interesting dimension to the scenes of sudden and brutal violence.
Richard Coyle delivers a compelling performance as Frank, whose desperation and alienation from the world he once traversed freely is palpable. Zlatko Buric's portrayal of Milo adds a sense of menace and unpredictability to the film. The film's pacing is fast-paced, with heavy-handed chase sequences and standoffs that foreshadow disaster.
Despite its gritty aesthetic and intense sequences, "Pusher" lacks a sense of danger, even when the stakes are high. The film's reliance on tropes and scenarios from other genre films, such as Guy Ritchie and Quentin Tarantino, makes it feel formulaic. The shift in location from Copenhagen to London is not explored in depth, and cultural or societal differences are largely ignored.
Overall, "Pusher" is a formulaic effort that relies heavily on borrowed tropes and scenarios. While it has some interesting visual elements and strong performances, it fails to create a unique or memorable cinematic experience.
Rating: 6 out of 10.
