the term 'powerful' gets thrown around a lot in the blurb industry, much too often, in fact, but it's the first time i'm seriously considering applying it to a film. this film. alejandro is able to get inside each of his characters so effortlessly, getting their power, and putting it on-screen for us to see and understand each and every mood, thought, or change of heart. and none of them are judged. you're able to know them for who they are. things happen. it's the banality of everyday life. alejandro gets this on film. he also gets the guilt, the emotion. in spades. you just sit back and watch. and get caught up in the turmoil it brings up.
now, other films have been able to convey this sense of intimacy between characters and its audience, but they are so few and far between that it's comforting when they come and you can't help but enjoy their warm embrace.
this film is gritty. it has a dirty look about it. i couldn't help picturing a big-shot hollywood director doing this film (overdone lighting, stock performances, simple characters, and a winning message). instead, alejandro gets into the characters. you are there with them. you understand each and every move even though they don't tell you anything. it's quite refreshing. and when you get a director like alejandro and team him up with a bunch of actors that are willing to go the fucking distance like sean penn, benicio del toro, and (now) naomi watts ... you make sure you go see that film.
i have a feeling i won't remember much from the film in a couple of days (in part because the art is in the details and not the actual plot points) but i have gone through a journey with these folks. it's the kind of film where you walk out of the theater feeling a little bit changed, like there's been a shift inside, albeit maybe a momentary one, but a shift nonetheless. and it feels good. you get in touch with humanity once again. this was one of these experiences for me.
Posted by Anonymous | 11:10 PM
