Corny sentiments and heavy handed metaphors of renewal aside, Demolition looks like being as polished, irreverent and touching as director Jean-Marc Vallée’s previous offerings, Dallas Buyers Club and Wild.
The tone of the trailer is spot on. Gyllenhaal’s monotone delivery and unemotional phrasing reflects his apathy for life, but combined with Davis’ witty asides screenwriter Bryan Sipe avoids the ‘evil banker’ stereotype instead he becomes the likable ingénue. While the colour palette brilliantly transforms throughout the trailer, in line with Davis’ changing mentality and expanding horizons, it maintains the muted look of a ’70s period piece despite the obvious presence of smartphones anchoring it in the present day.
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This deliberate choice by Vallée shows us the kind of film he’s trying to make. By creating a retro aesthetic he softens the tone of the film allowing hard emotional points to be made in a comforting, mildly nostalgic environment; something he employed perfectly Dallas Buyers Club. Demolition looks to be a small scale human story with the drama turned all the way up. With Vallée at the helm, expect this to be another emotional rollercoaster.
*Update 19 January, 2016*
Fox Searchlight have just released a UK trailer. Check it out below and let us know your thoughts @LWLies
Demolition is released in the UK 29 April.
