I’ve seen several reviews call this film Hitchcockian, which does it a disservice. It’s actually much warmer, emotionally tuned, empathetic than a typical Hitchcock thriller would be.
From a screenwriting standpoint, I loved how messy, organic, almost meandering, the first half feels, while the second half yanks you down a taut, precise, inexorable path.
This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.
The scene where Gitl finally presents her real hair is gut wrenching. Such a strong symbol for the disintegration of love… and all the hopes, resentments, and travesties that go along with it.
The gett sequence is strangely beautiful. Reminded me of A SEPARATION a bit.
And Jake’s marriage to Mamie at the end… so tragic.
The whole film is wonderfully shot. Particularly the simple setups with the pronounced choreography. The men arguing, sitting back to back. Bernstein studying Torah…
This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.
I imagine Glazer’s practice has become more and more process-oriented, which I appreciate and respect, but this just felt like he went out not knowing what he wanted to accomplish, then did his best to concoct something meaningful in the edit.
I kept thinking of The White Ribbon while watching, and not only because of Christian Friedel. The Zone of Interest feels like a lesser, weaker film in the same mold as Haneke’s masterpiece.
That said, there were memorable moments.…
