By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
Budapest director/screenwriter
Milorad Krstic?s ?Ruben Brandt Collector? is an odd, yet stylish animated crime caper about an eccentric psychotherapist (voiced by Ivan Kamaris, ?Spy?) who is so haunted by his dreams and childhood that it sets him on a path of destructive and criminal behavior.
We?re not talking robbing convenience or clothing stores, but rather stealing artwork from some of the world?s most famous museums like the Louvre, the Tate and the Mus?e d?Orse.
The images and themes from these elaborate paintings play out in nightmarish fashion for Ruben (Kamaris) which only intensifies his need to steal. Ruben even enlists a few of his shady, criminal patients to join in on these elaborately staged heists.
When word gets out that the crew have stolen 13 paintings and counting, he becomes a wanted man with millions of dollars offered to anyone who can catch him.
That brings out private detective Mike Kowalksi (Csaba M?rton) who is also a leading expert on art theft. Some mafiosos want a piece of the action too.
I give ?Ruben Brandt Collector? credit for being clever, although at times the movie feels like it?s trying too hard to be daring, hip and artsy. But, best of all it doesn?t wear out its welcome.
Check Out This Trailer For
"Ruben Brandt Collector"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of The Broadcast Film Critics? Association (BFCA), The Black Film Critics Circle (BFCC), The Alliance Of Women Film Journalists (AWFJ) and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
