The 4th Life (2006) User Reviews

Dire!

[gerard_kraus · 1/10 · 22 October 2006]

This film goes a long way to show that the display of female breasts and the constant referral to lesbian lovers is not a basis for ANY film. The plot does not follow any particular scheme, chronologies are mixed (by the inconsistent use of style) and there is generally no feel for any causal link to the whole. The acting is wooden, none of the "actors", for they are listed as such, seemed to be into what they are doing at that point in time. Most effects are unconvincing (Watch out for the sparkling water and effervescent tablet foam). Editing is haphazard at best and instead of adding sense subtracts it from this waste of celluloid. I'd recommend anything else in your multiplex or Videostore if you are cursed with a one-screen-town.

strange and hypnotic

[pm_davenport · 8/10 · 21 January 2007]

fast cars, nudity,guns, and a killer soundtrack. need i say more. in an industry full of tired dreams and wasted money, the 4th life creates a landscape, strange and demented, yet utterly compelling. i thought the nudity was tasteful and definitely appropriate. some amazing shots. if not for the obvious discomfort of the lead actress, the film may have done more for me. otherwise, i loved it, and recommend it for any lover of the strange and hypnotic. the high quality of the cinematography allowed the film a chance to compete at any level of film-making. An obvious blend of Russ Meyer and David Lynch. it gives me hope to see films such as the 4th life to come out of the Canadian film industry.

unusual and fascinating

[zsredddt · 10/10 · 24 October 2006]

Saw this at Cinenygma, I didn't know anything about it beforehand, first and foremost let me say that this is anything but a mainstream movie, unlike the previous poster I didn't mind the nudity, it was beautifully shot. On that note, while it is true that some of the acting seemed a bit dry or cold, but the cinematography more than made up for that, some of the ambiances are totally hypnotic especially in the flashbacks, at times I felt like I was watching a Mario Bava or Dario Argento film.

The plot can however be confusing and I guess interpreted several different ways. But on the whole I strongly recommend this film to fans of unusual fantastic cinema or art films, the score by David Kristian (who worked on The Abandoned) is another bonus.