Change Your Image
nataliapazio
Reviews
The Danish Girl (2015)
Captivating visuals couldn't hide dissonances
I have mixed feelings on that one. I have no expectations and no idea about the story behind it and that is why I wasn't bored. I was mesmerized by the frames, the landscapes, the colors. The frames of interiors resembled baroque play with perspective, which was beautiful but I'm not quite sure what baroque has to do with that particular movie and the works of the main characters of the movie. Maybe it was the personal preference of the director? Or some tribute to the tradition of painting in general? I don't know. It created the feeling of 'oh, yeah, that looks like Velazquez or Dutch baroque painters masterpieces'. But it was actually Denmark, Danish painters, so it is confusing. Other than that: the hometown of Einar was located in Norway, in Denmark there are no fjords, no mountains, so one again: why? There were a lot of incongruencies in terms of visuals and in the storyline. Still, the photography in that movie was mesmerizing for me.
When it comes to the story line and script: there is something missing, dialogues are not the best part of this movie. I had the impression that the director's idea was to show the story through visuals, gestures, frames, landscapes, colors, etc. Like the story in moving pictures/paintings. This made the whole film static and to some extent empty or dead, like those trees and bare trunks during the late winter seasons (included multiple times in the film).
The Lilli character was quite literally portrayed by the lead actor (Redmayne) with gestures, mimicry, eyes, it was more like pantomime. Let's remember that the story takes place in the 1920s, people behaved differently, still I can imagine casting a real transgender actor would be more appropriate and convincing. I know that shy women smile a lot, masking a lot, esp. Hundred years ago, but I can't imagine smiling so wide while dying. Lilli was certainly happy with the transition, but happiness can be portrayed in different ways. Other than that wide joker smile.
I preferred Gerda character and I felt that the lead actress (Vikander) dominated the film. But it is unrealistic to be dominating, expressive and at the same time walking not to get angry or have some bigger argument.
In general, I feel like the story has so much potential, but there were a lot of inconsistencies and the mesmerizing visuals couldn't cover that up.
Conversations with Friends (2022)
Painful but insightful
This is interesting that so many ppl can't stand watching awkwardness and shame! Which this series don't spare us from.
The protagonist is shy, introverted and has problems with understanding and sharing her emotions. This makes her confused and overwhelmed by events she found herself taking very first part. At the same time, she tries to feel more confident by degrading others and feeling superior intellectually. She is also envy of her bff's eloquence. Openness and charm.
Tbh i think her bff is very mature for her age, and I don't know how it is possible. In so young age she seems to read everyones minds, communicating her feelings perfectly and is very opinionated. I would give her 30. Mentally.
What i like in this series is that it shows so much vulnerability, shame, confusion and on the other hand, passion, love and friendship. Sometimes i felt this is so intimate, that i shouldn't watch it (and i skipped). At the same time maybe it is good for some young ppl to see what is real sex and intimacy (although i would put more attention on protection :).
Also I liked that polyamory was not idealized here. I do know some poly ppl, who thinks it is just superior to monogamy. It isn't, it is very difficult, painful and trigger alot of wounds. But also it can be beautiful probably.
Male protagonist is really sympathetic, although pretty one-dimensional. He is so mellow and kind, that i find this character unrealistic.
Still, I took sth from this series: that u can learn communicating your feelings, that it can spare u from a lot of suffering and harm; your acts have consequences that should be talked trough. And the most important: we are so subjective in our perspectives and (self)judgements. And it is so refreshing and freeing to share these perspectives, as we can see their utmost subjectivity. And thus, we can stop being our own priosoners.
Verdens verste menneske (2021)
About how woman's indvidualisation makes her seem the worst
I'm rather into indie films and I was pretty satisfied with the movie. I liked the script, dialogues and cinematography as well. All characters seem to be real in their imperfections, every one was unique and different, have flaws but also virtues.
Main character was definitely like a Bambi, every leg in different direction on ice. Some parts of her were very relatable to me as a modern 30. Woman having some similar experiences, but definitely I'm different person and couldn't emphatize with Julia in many cases. Although I think she was pretty convincing and complex character.
I would like to highlight that this is movie is still male view on woman, as director is a man. I personally think that some male features were presented via female character, to make audience feel like she is the worst, because it is easier to judge women for general population. Still, men are permitted more whereas women are perceived the worst for doing more male things: being individual.
This is why she was charmed by Aksel's individuality and non-conforming attitude, even knowing he was making sexist stances and jokes in his comics.
He was like her mirror: immersed in his interests and a thought processes that was a bit pretentious at times, but at the same time very genuine, esp. At the end of his life. He also changed his mind and was indecisive towards having kids, just like Julia. But when he was forcing her to have a child at some point, without listening to her, it was repulsive for me and I'm surprised everyone here is concerned mainly on Julia's imperfections, whereas others questionable behaviors are less visible for reviewers here.
This film shows that similar behaviors are judged differently depending on gender: Julia writes provocative article and is not judged harshly, but Aksel is cancelled for his comics; Julia don't want to have a kid and is judged, but everyone overlooked that Askel changed his mind and didn't want to have kids. Julia hurt Elsvid, bc she wants more has some intelectual needs unmet, so she is the worst, but Aksel also used her to his benefit "as a break from his job", but this is "normal" for a male so it is unseen by the public. This film portray it perfectly!
It also seems that at the end she became like Aksel in some way.
You (2018)
irritating but catchy
This series is a bit like a soap opera about psychopath.
I think I watch it, cause I like the idea of romantic psychopath and I love Victoria Pedretti's charisma and radiance on the screen. Also just having time on sick leave.
Tbh, I just skip over large parts of it (1st. Season), cause I was bored and irritated of the cliches.
Also internal, overanalytical, judgemental monologues of the protagonist started to be very annoying at some point.
At the same time, there are some interesting psychological and sociological parts and dialogues of characters are quite good! That can be a sign it is actually based on interesting book!