The Place Beyond the Pines is a 2012 thriller movie with an intertwined set of narratives. Co-written by Ben Coccio and director Derek Cianfrance, the story begins with Luke (Ryan Gosling), a motorcycle stunt driver who learns that his ex-partner Romina (Eva Mendes) has given birth to their son. Romina is now seeing someone else, but Luke wants to be part of their son’s life and he still has feelings for Romina, even though she kept their child a secret from him. Luke tries to turn his life around and show Romina that he’s a responsible adult, but he soon finds himself in trouble with the law. A rookie police officer named Avery (Bradley Cooper) is part of the team on Luke’s trail. He, too, has a young son. Led by the older, more experienced cops, Avery finds himself exposed to corruption within the police force. When Avery crosses paths with Luke, the fates of their families are forever changed.
The film contrasts the gritty, urban surroundings that Luke calls home with the woods he finds comfort in when he pursues a business opportunity that could bring Romina back to him. Meanwhile, Avery’s home is clean and well-lighted, a seemingly ideal environment for raising a child. The film’s cinematographer Sean Bobbitt captures the nuances of each setting, making the most of these contrasting backdrops. Bobbitt has worked on a diverse range of films including Shame, Hunger, 12 Years a Slave, and Judas and the Black Messiah. These are some of the best stills from The Place Beyond the Pines.
