Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: BLACKBERRY [Berlinale 2023 - Berlin, Germany]
The essence of technology and its short shelf life is an interesting bed partner when the train moves faster than one can keep up. "Blackberry" (Competition) is an interesting parable based on the real life story of Matt Lazaridis, a brilliant inventor thrust into opportunity along with Jim Balsillie, a shark who knew how to sell to his own detriment but with a style of class. Like "The Player" or "Glengarry Glen Ross" but from the geek sensibility, "Blackberry" is a lot of fun even though the cringe of the flybys is pretty insane. Matt Johnson, who made "Operation Avalanche" (which we covered in Sundance a couple years back) has significantly more control of his subject here. That former film was a blur of ideas yet fascinating in certain respects. "Blackberry" has the same energy and wherewithall, as well as a sense of style and music pacing but it is much more razor sharp and much more ambitious.
This is undeniably accomplished by Jay Baruchel (who graduates from his more broad roles to something very specific) in Lazardis. It is a subtle and yet vivid performance that grows at it goes and is pretty radical for him. Glenn Howerton is fantastic as well and unrecognizable for his "Sunny" fans which makes it all the more dynamic (plus the bald cap -- or he even shaved his head). He gets this guy and yet plays him with such an unrelenting thirst that his opportunity and hubris makes up for the character's lack of technological know how and sense. Matt Johnson plays Doug, one of the co-founders of the initial company. While he does chew up the scenery, Johnson does provide the comic relief that is the balance between Howerton and Baruchel. Some cameos by Cary Elwes and Michael Ironside as well as Saul Rubinek are not needed but add to the sense of fun. The realization and play as the iPhone hits the scene and the Blackberry ascension before is fairly breakneck and gives the feeling of the Wild West the scenario actually was. The inspiration for the name and just that spark moment in the board room right before the dream takes off feels legendary and yet strangely human. And this is the point at which "Blackberry" succeeds as well. B+
By Tim Wassberg
