Showing posts with label controversial. Show all posts
Showing posts with label controversial. Show all posts


 


Larrain takes us by the hand and engages us in Ema's tragedy. As the layered plot unfolds, the young, platinum-haired dancer allows us to slowly catch her sensual world's rhythm. Music, movement but also wit and strong emotion direct this primal, raw character.

She speaks her mind, she does as she pleases. The lack of boundaries pressures the viewer into letting go as well, ultimately resulting in a refreshing sense of freedom. And letting go can be a challenge. The movie could end up being perceived as a kitschy satire of femininity, motherhood and art, as the Chilean director puts maybe a little too much (maybe not) effort into some eye-catching, visually stunning scenes. To be honest, it was a bit over the top at times, but I can't help wondering if that's exactly where the film's charm lies. 

I decided to let go and the film stayed with me for many days to come. The impact is as strong as Ema herself.



The Lobster was one of my favourites from 2015. Wouldn't have dared to imagine it will come to this feeling of admiration after watching the first 15 minutes, which were frankly kind of annoying. It took me plenty of time to ease into the strange and uncomfortable dystopia Yorgos Lanthimos and Efthymis Filippou present us with. They have also co-written the obnoxious Kyodontas, which shocked and amazed us in 2009 and likewise displays a world of tremendous control.

For me, it was basically the most romantic movie I've seen in a while. The sign language, the caring, the sacrifice... It is clear that the film, in essence, is a dreamy and tender one. How much would you be willing to sacrifice to be with the one you love? How much would you change?

 I particularly enjoyed the natural settings, the variety of animals randomly showing up (the pink flamingo was a delight), the detailed differentiation of the two worlds: the couple-based general society versus the cast-out single-people-society, both with its own restrictions and rules. Both so cruelly punishing those who do not obey or fit in. This imagined universe was maybe so hard to get used to because of the absurdity of some happenings, like the transformation concept, metamorphoses, transfiguration, reincarnation, which, taken this literally, stretched my boundaries of credibility. But fortunately acceptance and imagination took charge.

 It is a philosophic work of art, which after the actual viewing, keeps lingering on, swimming around in the depth of your mind, sometimes surfacing. At random moments you can catch yourself focusing on some visual detail which got somehow remembered, or reflecting on a new analogy your neurons surprise you with. Definitely the kind of film that stays with you, haunting your unconscious long after the closing credits roll.





 




This one is different.

Shot in one take, the peculiar German production may surprise even the most experienced viewer. It may also evoke rather violent emotional responses. I discussed the movie with a friend and we both agreed that the way it was shot, the actors and the directing were all aiming towards a sensation of "realness", which is probably the reason why you are so engaged throughout the evolution of the plot, reacting so strongly as the story takes some unforeseen turns.

I strongly advise you against watching the trailer or reading anything that may give the plot away, because chances are you will damage the intended abruptness, which for me was one of the most important and enjoyable aspects.







Although released in '71, I was quite surprised of the contemporary feeling I got while watching Harold and Maude (ex. it is unusual for a character to look directly into the camera, as if he was addressing the viewer). 

The witty black humour of Harold, in opposition with the youthful, energetic and rebellious Maude gave exactly the reverse effect their age would make us suspect: a young man obsessed with death and an older woman full of life. It is not a coincidence that they meet at a funeral, but the motivation behind their strange attraction to graveyards comes from totally different places. Maude talks about the beauty of the cycle of life, while pale Harold, because of a childhood trauma, is left with this dark fascination. 

Ruth Gordon is excellent and because of her very personal and charismatic portrayal of Maude, the plot, against all odds, becomes authentic. The beliefs of open-minded Maude fit right into certain nowadays trends, which is also a good reason for why this movie feels up-to-date. 

I also liked the music of Cat Stevens ;).





The post was triggered by a set of pictures I recently saw of Bradley Cooper and his latest girlfriend taken in Paris, although this reality is surrounding us every day. The dynamics of relationships with a considerable age gap have actually inspired some of my all-time favourite movies and even now they still hold the power to shock us.

I give you a list of these personal choices, including not only my crème de la crème, but some extremely popular duos which came to mind.


Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey) & Angela Hayes (Mena Suvari) in

American Beauty













This movie is hard to write about. Certainly one of the most controversial productions ever made, the experience of watching Crash lives up to its reputation. The unique erotic atmosphere created is sometimes so strangely powerful that I found myself wondering if what I am watching is maybe closer to pornography than anything else.
The main concept of the film is the FETISH. I felt an intention of presenting modern-day technology and the extreme interest of the public towards it as an obsession. Cronenberg imagined a world where cars and especially car accidents are perceived as extreme thrills by some people. The relationship between mankind and machines is a preferred topic of the director. Just imagine watching accidents instead of porn (I associated this kind of addiction to the concept of snuff films).

So, who dares to watch?






Harsh satire of the MTV generation from the director of Gummo. The audience is definitely pushed into experiencing some extremely mixed emotions. Including a very authentic character played by James Franco, this movie has flare and a whole lot of (obnoxious and violent) style. I imagine why it could be considered unwatchable for some, though. I personally enjoyed it!

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