It's very rare for me to consider a reply to negative reviews. Indeed, I have never done so.
As a former Cambridge University literature and theater graduate and NYU film alumnus, and having read certain reviews, I was ready to write off this film before I watched it.
Thankfully, I did not.
Some of the reviews have talked about the overacting in the first 1/2 hour. I note that, and agree with that. There are even some slightly preposterous plot elements. But once you look beyond that this is a very tightly planned movie with, on the whole, very good performances from the actors. This isn't quite a modern day morality tale, nor is it a Greek tragedy , nor is it a Senecan tragedy, although it is close to being a tragedy from Seneca.
I did feel invested in the characters after the first 1/3, and it is indeed a pretty nihilistic vision. It's raw, gritty stuff, and everything that happens has a reason. It reminds me of Takeshi Kitano's movies from Japan, like Hana Bi and Sonatine. It's not remotely as beautiful, but it is very true to life, and, ultimately, compelling. I would love to give this movie a six, but I would prefer to give it an 8 because it really did come together and keep me watching.
A movie that in the ensemble, and direction, is better than the sum of its parts.
Speaking honestly, I was riveted. That's good film making. Isn't it?
As a former Cambridge University literature and theater graduate and NYU film alumnus, and having read certain reviews, I was ready to write off this film before I watched it.
Thankfully, I did not.
Some of the reviews have talked about the overacting in the first 1/2 hour. I note that, and agree with that. There are even some slightly preposterous plot elements. But once you look beyond that this is a very tightly planned movie with, on the whole, very good performances from the actors. This isn't quite a modern day morality tale, nor is it a Greek tragedy , nor is it a Senecan tragedy, although it is close to being a tragedy from Seneca.
I did feel invested in the characters after the first 1/3, and it is indeed a pretty nihilistic vision. It's raw, gritty stuff, and everything that happens has a reason. It reminds me of Takeshi Kitano's movies from Japan, like Hana Bi and Sonatine. It's not remotely as beautiful, but it is very true to life, and, ultimately, compelling. I would love to give this movie a six, but I would prefer to give it an 8 because it really did come together and keep me watching.
A movie that in the ensemble, and direction, is better than the sum of its parts.
Speaking honestly, I was riveted. That's good film making. Isn't it?