Hugo is the first 3D film from cinematic genius Martin Scorsese. The film is set in 1931 Paris and follows the life of young Hugo Cabret (Asa Butterfield). Hugo lives in a train station and manages the clocks, making sure he stays clear of the station inspector (Sacha Baron Cohen), who wants to send him to an orphanage. With the help of friend Isabelle (Chloe Moretz), the pair manage to get an automaton, left by Hugo's late father (Jude Law), working; the result of which leads Hugo and Isabelle into a mystery surrounding moody shopkeeper Georges (Ben Kingsley).
Hugo will entertain all. It's characters highlight a mix of turmoil and comedy, with Sacha Baron Cohen's station inspector being a stickler for the rules yet also vulnerable which at times adds humour due to clumsiness caused by a metal clasp on his leg due to a war injury. Ben Kingsley gives us a perfect portrayal of hurt pride with Georges Melies, a magician turned cinematic innovator whose 500 plus films are nearly all destroyed. With the discovery of Georges' past comes a new dynamic to Hugo, becoming much more than just a children's film, becoming a film that highlights the importance of cinema and film preservation.
Scorsese does more with 3D than most have done before, with his innovation behind the camera clear for all to see. Not only does the director use 3D to show excellent shots of the station and of Paris, but it's used to perfection on facial expression. The best use however is with the showing of vintage cinema. Scorsese attempts to create the same astonishment that early film viewers would have experienced, coming as close as he possibly could to achieving it.
Not a typical Martin Scorsese film but a masterpiece in 3D filmmaking.
J.Henderson.
8/10.
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