Longing [Valesca Grisebach, 2006]
Here is filmmaking of the highest order. A simple story of infidelity
is revealed gradually through a skilfully structured narrative - there
are many examples of the method of plot development contributing to the
emotional journey of the film. And Longing is all about the emotional
connection with the characters. I find it astonishing that the film
achieves the depth of characterisation it does with an entirely
non-professional cast of actors. The three leads in particular give
truly incredible performances, lending the film a directness and
authenticity that cinema often struggles to attain.
The actors are helped by the absolute mastery of the director, Valeska
Griesebach, who meticulously controls the pace and tone of film
throughout. Each nuance of feeling, each undercurrent of passion and
longing, is patiently observed; there's a brooding quiet intensity
that threatens to explode.
And then the wonderful ending, with the children. The abrupt change of
tone is initially a surprise, but it quickly becomes clear that this is
the perfect conclusion to a very impressive film.
IMDB link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0416213/
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Among Adults (Entre Adultes) [Stephane Brize, 2006]
A modern-day "La Ronde" that's perfectly constructed and
sharp as a razor. Every scene, linked by a character from the previous
one, is a beautifully formed miniature drama: witty, perceptive, and
with the kind of charged pauses that Pinter would be proud of.
Everything comes together in this film: brilliant writing; powerful,
sensitive acting; restrained, but forceful direction.
Each character is beautifully realised; each relationship exquisitely
examined. And it's not just an exercise in cruelty – in
demonstrating what shits these people are. Stephane Brize takes pains
to bring out the nuances of character, the vulnerabilities as well as
the deceptions.
Absolutely superb.
IMDB link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0847733/
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Lunacy [Jan Svankmajer, 2005]
What I fool I was to say that Taxidermia would be prime contender for
strangest film at this year's festival - when there's a
Svankmajer on the bill!
Right from the start. White screen. Then the supremo of the surreal
himself pops up and tells us that Lunacy is, surprise surprise, a film a
about madness, and that it's NOT art. He pauses to glance down, and
notices a severed tongue crawling across the ground. He registers mild
interest, continues his introduction, and promptly disappears. Then the
film turns weird.
In Lunatic the lunatics are running the asylum, even when the doctors
supposed to be in charge get their chance. Unrestrained freedom or
strict control, both breed cruelty and excess. It's a mad,
forbidding and frightening world. Svankmajer says it's a world
inspired by Poe and de Sade: a horror story world.
And one that's a glorious blasphemy against the conventional. It
revels in subversion; in the darkness and fertility of the unfettered
imagination. It sneers at the conventional. It gets its hands well and
truly dirty – and loves it.
And it's pretty funny as well. An enjoyably dark experience.
