Highest 2 Lowest
- Gus Keller
- 6 hours ago
- 1 min read
Highest 2 Lowest is a bold swing. Its moral dilemma premise yields strong motivations as well as nuanced arcs for its characters. There are themes of cultural change, legacy, art, class, and control. However, the story possesses some clunky execution, with blunt dialogue, loose threads, telling over showing, and rosy resolution. This results in a tonal messiness, which muddles emotions plus messages. Meanwhile, though a few supporting actors feel stilted, Washington's magnetism is a reliable linchpin. Despite keeping his intensity internal, Denzel displays a range of charisma, vulnerability, layers, and command. Consequently, Highest 2 Lowest is imperfect yet commendable.
While its tone shifts are off-putting, Highest 2 Lowest offers creativity. The imagery utilizes lighting, oners, and surreal mounts. Despite uneven pacing and structure, its editing has proactive intercuts, inserts, repeat cuts, and split screens. There isn't much to the sound besides brief action. Polarizing, its music adds great needle drops as well as plot-relevant diegetics, but also jarring scoring. Senses of setting, Black American culture, and wealth inequality are conveyed through the production design. Its cast surrounds Washington with prestige, fame, fit, representation, and cameos. The effects are minor. Overall, Highest 2 Lowest comes from an artistic voice.
Writing: 7/10
Direction: 7/10
Cinematography: 8/10
Acting: 8/10
Editing: 6/10
Sound: 6/10
Score/Soundtrack: 7/10
Production Design: 8/10
Casting: 9/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 7.3/10
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