The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Following huge success and acclaim for award-winning films such as Slumdog Millionaire (2008) and 127 Hours (2010), British director, Danny Boyle, opts for a lighter side to filmmaking and takes a stab at twisty – and at times trivial – psychological thriller, Trance.  

Trance opens with Simon (McAvoy); a savvy art auctioneer talking about what it takes to make it in the business of selling art. His incredibly absorbing, direct address  reveals how auctioneers deal with the threat of heists, and goes on to explain the importance of keeping a cool head.

Before long, Simon’s skills are put to the test when a gang of armed men, led by colleague Franck (Cassel), break into the auction house during a bidding war for a priceless Goya painting. Simon, who has been trained for precisely this type of situation, quickly grabs the painting and rushes off to the house safe, only to be intercepted by Franck and his crew. Needles to say, they steal the painting and leave Simon with a few bumps and bruises.

Franck and co are pleased with their day’s work, until they open the case and find only an empty frame. Somehow, Simon managed to hide the painting. But here’s the twist: the beat-down that he took gave him a rather nasty case of amnesia and he can’t remember where he could have hidden the painting. Anxious and desperate, Franck forces Simon to pay a visit to enigmatic hypnotherapist, Elizabeth (Dawson), who just might be able to rekindle Simon’s memory and save his life.

Perfectly cast as the leading role, Scottish born McAvoy is both thrilling and utterly engaging throughout the film. Equally impressive performances are delivered by both Dawson and Cassel; the talented American actress carries herself exceptionally well as the femme-fatale of the picture, while French powerhouse Cassel, is his usual intense, but likeable self.

Nothing about Trance is what it seems; Boyle zigzags through the storyline like a pro, packing each bend with a new twist and blurring the lines between reality and dreams. However, the guessing game drags and you’ll need to draw patience to sit through it all until the big showdown.  However, fans of Boyle will pick up on the occasional spirit of cult classic, Trainspotting, and will not be disappointed.

Recognised for his slick and polished pictorial style, it comes as no surprise that Boyle’s Trance is yet another handsome-looking addition to his resume. All things considered, Trance shows flashes of style, intelligence and eccentricity; although it may not be Boyle’s best work to date, it still promises an entertaining ride.