George Clooney’s “The Monuments Men” tells the story of seven individuals who, during World War Two, are given the task of retrieving important works of art that were stolen by the Germans and returning them to their rightful owners. The film has an all-star cast: Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Cate Blanchett, Bob Balaban, and Jean Dujardin round out the impressive list of people who populate the screen throughout the two-hour romp.
Clooney has done well in the past at directing and he has done it again: he turns out an engaging and eye-opening film that draws attention to an aspect of history that has been untold or perhaps forgotten. There are light-hearted moments that are humourous and others that are deadly serious. This contrast in tone lends to the overall charm of the picture which keeps the viewer entertained and also draws him or her into the world of the film and the characterizations.
Part of the humour is garnered from the fact that the Monuments Men are men who do not fit into the typical notion of a war soldier. These are middle-aged men who are out-of-shape and are not all that prepared for the duty before them. Still, this adds a bit of suspense to the film and there are moments of suspense in it that will have you on the edge of your seat.
The performances are strong and memorable. Jean Dujardin is a welcome presence after his Oscar win for “The Artist”. Cate Blanchett proves to be extremely capable of embodying people with accents foreign to her own and creating sympathetic characters. Bill Murray and John Goodman demonstrate a great blend of their typical comedic persona with a more serious air. Damon and Clooney are believable as always. I enjoyed the ensemble cast and the way that they interacted on-screen.
There is no doubt that the accomplishments of the Monuments Men were of huge importance in the protection of some of our civilization’s most treasured works of art. This film is a testament to their work and bravery.
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