Review-
Even with its compromises and overreaching philosophy, The
Counselor is a pretty interesting film. It keeps you involved even when it's falling off the rails.
Michael Fassbender plays The
Counselor who intends to make a big buck through a one-off drug trade with a
Mexican drug cartel. He works with his friend Reiner and middle-man Westrey.
Reiner (Javier Bardem) is playful, trusting and always in the present, reaping
the benefits of the seeds he’s sown. He’s heard the worst of the party he’s in
business with, but doesn’t seem keen on reconsidering the nature of their
relationship. He doesn’t seem too interested in the ifs and coulds. All he
knows is that things are fine as they are. Westray (Brad Pitt), on the other
hand, is more aware of what he’s gotten himself into. He’s willing to take his
chances as long as they come to him. But if things go awry, he has an immediate
way out. He’s willing to leave everything behind if he has to. “It’s not that
you’re going down. It’s what you’re taking down with you,” he echoes later in
the film. The counselor pays heed to both men, who warn him repeatedly, but goes
with the plan anyway, telling himself that this is only a one-time deal.
