Do our egos define who we are as a person, or can we break away from them?
Guy Richie’s action thriller, Revolver, is based on that concept. It follows a gambler named Jake Green (played by Jason Statham) as he tries taking revenge on a man who put him in prison. Jake succeeds in destroying a man… just not the one he set out to. Fans of Guy Richie’s other films, like Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels or Snatch (my personal favorite heist movie), will not be disappointed by the action of Revolver. But this one’s got a little more to it.
Packing a Punch
The action is intense and fast passed, which is what you’d expect from any movie starring Jason Statham. Revolver is definitely a movie you have to follow closely, but understanding all the little aspects of the plot make it even more enjoyable to watch. It not as playful as Richie’s other crime movies, but the same spirit is there.
Ego, Positive or Negative?
Jake Green is trying to take revenge throughout the film but things quickly go south for him. He ends up losing all his fortune to a pair of con men. These men see life as a game or con, that one is always fighting against the ultimate opponent. That opponent is ego.
Richie is critiquing the entire culture of the typical heist movie. The archetypal gangsters and con men who are so egocentric that the will do anything to get more cash, power, and respect. For Richie the cause of that behavior (and any other selfish human behavior) is the ego.
Richie is saying that our egos are separate from ourselves. Although the ego is a product of our minds, it is not us. The only people who are acting with real free will are those who have given up their ego. Richie is condemning our entire culture of prestige and fame. How true is his critique? When was the last time you found yourself in a bad way because you tried to do something for your own ego? I think it’s something that we aren’t even aware of but Richie’s film does a good job putting it in the spotlight.
Revolver is available on Netflix instant watch and you can check out the trailer here.
Is the ego a true reflection of you? Is it harmful? Or can ego be a positive thing?
