The Bling Ring

Sofia Coppola’s latest film is based on a Vanity Fair article (The Suspects Wore Louboutins) which documented the real life story of a group of Los Angeles teenagers who in 2008 / 2009 stole designer gear from celebrities’ homes and then would hide in plain sight by wearing said clothing around the clubs of LA and posting pictures of themselves on social network websites with their ill- gotten gains (oh yeah, they stole a load of dosh as well). I haven’t read the article myself, but I hope it answers many of the questions you’ll have after watching Coppola’s film. To wit: Why did all the celebrities leave their homes unlocked? Why didn’t they have alarm systems? Why did the kids (who it appears are already well off themselves) do what they did? As these queries aren’t addressed in the film it’s quite an odd watch. It’s literally just scene after scene of robberies taking place (with the odd party thrown in) before the police close the net. Coppola’s last film was the pretentious naval gazing rubbish Somewhere, but this somewhat restores her reputation. Despite its minimal screenplay she manages to pull off a few camera tricks (the almost static long shot of one of the thefts is a subtly lit triumph) and the odd chuckle (a wry flash of a pair of garish pink high heels provides one of the driest laughs of the year). Most surprising of all is that Coppola tells the story in such a way you don’t actually hate the main protagonists despite their thieving vain ways. It isn’t all fun and games though as when (particularly towards the end of the film) Coppola tries her hand at a more satirical approach (think of a Christopher Guest style mockumentary) she completely fluffs it, though Leslie Mann gets some giggles as a new-age Mum. Also, the less said about Gavin Rossdale’s wooden cameo the better. This isn’t a cerebral film in any sense of the word, especially as the key question the movie should be asking (Does the average person on the street feel sorry for millionaire celebrities who get robbed?) is glossed over with, well, gloss.

The OC Film Sting Final Verdict

Storyline aside this is clothing porn for the target audience, though anyway one hates the phrases “Wow”, “Oh My God” and “Hu-yeah” be afraid. Be very afraid………Rating: 6/10.