BlackBerry

BlackBerry is a Canadian independent film that traces the rise and fall of Research in Motion (RIM), the company behind the iconic BlackBerry smartphone. Starring Glenn Howerton and Jay Baruchel, and directed by Matt Johnson, the film offers a mix of dark comedy and empathy, supported by a talented cast and a nostalgic soundtrack.

Glenn Howerton's performance as Jim Balsillie, a shark-like business executive, stands out in the film. With his balding head and raw anger, Howerton embodies the white-collar volatility that drives the story forward. His explosive presence contrasts with the nervous, uncertain nature of the film's other characters. As Balsillie takes the reins at RIM and yells at everyone to get things done, Howerton's performance becomes the film's center of gravity, providing a much-needed jolt. The story revolves around RIM co-founders Mike Lazaridis (played by Jay Baruchel) and Douglas Fregin (played by Matt Johnson). Lazaridis is the genius behind the BlackBerry concept, while Fregin is the conscience of the company. The film focuses on their struggles to navigate the corporate world, and the rift that develops between them. Baruchel's performance effectively portrays Lazaridis' anxiety and stuttering responses, while Johnson's portrayal of Fregin falls somewhat flat.

Based on the book Losing the Signal: The Untold Story Behind the Extraordinary Rise and Spectacular Fall of BlackBerry, the film explores the technology boom of the late 90s and early 2000s and the disruptive impact of BlackBerry. It touches on themes of millennial nostalgia, niche markets and nerd revenge, but fails to delve into why these stories resonate in our collective consciousness. The film presents BlackBerry's rise to power as the story of a superhero, but has no clear message beyond that. One notable aspect of the film is its soundtrack, which can best be described as the most random soundtrack in recent memory. Although it attempts to evoke nostalgia with period tunes, some of the song choices are out of place and detract from the viewing experience.

BlackBerry effectively captures the essence of a company's rise and fall. It highlights the brilliance and hubris of its characters, especially Mike Lazaridis, whose descent into obsolescence becomes tragic. The description of the technological challenges faced by RIM and the impact of the introduction of the iPhone resonate with viewers. Shot in a humorous documentary style reminiscent of The Office, the film captures the awkwardness and tensions of the corporate world. Cinematographer Jared Raab succeeds in making the action dynamic, even in scenes primarily focused on business transactions and the delivery of data packets. Although the film suffers from a few aesthetic problems, such as awkward wigs, it manages to elicit laughter and empathy. Outstanding performances, dark humor and poignant moments make BlackBerry an endearing and thought-provoking film.

The film serves as a cautionary tale, reminding viewers to be aware of their surroundings and adapt to change. It shows that even the most revolutionary ideas can become obsolete if not properly understood or adopted. BlackBerry reminds us that in the ever-changing world of technology, staying ahead of the curve is essential to survival. BlackBerry offers an intriguing depiction of the rise and fall of a once-dominant technology company. It entertains with its humor, engages with its characters and prompts reflection on the frenetic pace of the business world. Definitely one of this year's cinematic surprises.

BlackBerry
Directed by Matt Johnson
Written by Matt Johnson, Matthew Miller
Based on Losing the Signal: The Untold Story Behind the Extraordinary Rise and Spectacular Fall of BlackBerry by Jacquie McNish, Sean Silcoff
Produced by Fraser Ash, Niv Fichman, Kevin Krikst, Matthew Miller
Starring Glenn Howerton, Jay Baruchel, Matt Johnson, Rich Sommer, Michael Ironside, Martin Donovan, Michelle Giroux, SungWon Cho, Mark Critch, Saul Rubinek, Cary Elwes
Cinematography : Jared Raab
Edited by Curt Lobb
Music by Jay McCarrol
Production companies : XYZ Films, Rhombus Media, Zapruder Films
Distributed by Elevation Pictures
Release dates : February 17, 2023 (Berlin), May 12, 2023 (Canada)
Running time : 121 minutes

Viewed on June 24, 2023 (VOD)

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