When I saw this film for the first time in 2006, I disliked it quite a bit. Today, I treat it as my first major failure in media interpretation and analysis, because I disliked it for all the wrong reasons. Tykwer's film isn't particularly good, although you have to admit that with today's lack of historical costume dramas, it has quite a few nice sights and technical goodies to offer.
There are many layers to the story and much to…
There're some spoilers here, so watch out.
Exploring emotional and thematical landscapes delineated by Greek director can become harrowing experience to anyone ill-prepared for such a task. If any movie needs trigger warnings at the beginning (I don't really like trigger warnings, although they have some utility; but it is not topic of this note) this one - Dogtooth - is clear contender to be the movie, that needs one. It is fascinating movie; it is difficult movie; it is…
"They’ll say I’m against freedom of speech. That… They’ll call me a fascist."
"Right."
"I need an aspirin."
I didn't expect to get here a melodrama that smoothly transitions into an idealistic political drama.
On top of that we get a lot of good in the field of ideas: the movie is pro-feminist, pro-immigrant and pro-worker (as much as it could be at the time), with a tough-minded, capable and intelligent main character. And finally, a sharp condemnation not only…
"I want this picture to be a commentary on modern conditions. Stark realism. The problems that confront the average man."
"But with a little sex."
"A little, but I don't want to stress it."
Written with infectious energy, it charms with action (almost drawn out Looney Toons in places), witty dialogue, social sensitivity and a narrative twist in the third act.
There is, however, a paradox in this. For one can read this film as Hollywood symbolically absolving itself of…
„Marty, how come you’re anal and I gotta go to the psychiatrist?”
It's just a little unpolished in detail, but all the Coen elements are in place: the dialogues where you can hear the character pulsing underneath words, the characters themselves who are fractured in some way, the almost dreamlike, surreal atmosphere of Americana™. And this cinematography and editing - the style simply pours off the screen.
One of the best debuts I've seen and probably the most underrated in the Brothers' filmography.
Next step in my very dispersed Villeneuve's retrospective.
I'm not going to write huge note about the movie; it is a modern classic. Period. Now - after 3rd rewatch - I am even more convinced, that Villeneuve is my favorite genre director currently working in the industry and Arrival is one the best high concept SF movies of all time. Canadian director has uncanny ability to infuse genre stories with rich arthouse-like atmosphere; his movies are slower, thoughtful but never…
