Trespassing Bergman 4 stars. I’d read somewhere that this documentary about Ingmar Bergman had too many talking heads for its own good but I didn’t really think so. Could have lost the three actors (Holly Hunter, Laura Dern and Robert De Niro) who didn’t have much connection. But all the directors, and Swedish actors, who spoke were each interesting in their own way. Even Claire Denis who couldn’t bear to remain in the house. Their reactions to Bergman and his influence on them were worth recording. Some, but not all, were pictured wandering through his house. This was truly beautiful – with beautiful furniture and windows and lighting etc. Some lovely spaces for reading by windows overlooking lovely scenery. On Faro Island; very isolated. Such fantastic skies and seascapes. The most interesting speakers were Woody Allen (both about his reactions to the films and also relaying conversations with the man himself), Michael Haneke (very cerebral) and Lars von Trier (irreverent, wild and wonderful). But others were good – Scorsese, Coppola, Ridley Scott, John Landis, Ang Lee and a couple of other Scandinavian, Japanese and Chinese chaps I didn’t know. Extracts from some but not all of Bergman’s films. Of my two favourites, The Seventh Seal was there but not Cries and Whispers. A brief timeline of Bergman’s life in text on the screen. The most moving image came at the end – a still picture of Ang Lee hugging the very old Bergman. The younger man appeared to be quite overcome. Lovely. One of the interviewees made the point that we will never again experience a single film maker having such an impact on film making as Bergman did. This was a great tribute to the last great film-maker.
Our Sunhi 3 stars. Great fun. Same actors as Nobody’s Daughter (MIFF 2013) and referenced that film whilst standing on its own. Sunhi was playing with three fellows – to what end was unclear. Scenes were replayed with each. The meeting, then conversation over drinks and fried chicken – focused on references to their past relationship and her character – followed by the walk home. Reminded me a little of Life of Riley. Interesting depiction of Korean society – lots of drinking it seems. Ended at the same beautiful park that featured in Nobody’s Daughter. A beautiful place.
Force Majeure 4 stars. I was disappointed on first viewing but the film stays with you. Hence 4 and not 3 stars which was my initial response. Serious ideas. Spectacular setting. Great acting. And some nice touches about the realities of family life and daily domestic frictions (like toilet seats). But some of the set pieces didn’t ring true. And there was no resolution – deliberate but not in a satisfyingly ambiguous way. In a lovely videotaped message the director told us his two objectives in making the film were to stage the biggest filmed avalanche scene ever (over too quickly) and to increase the world’s divorce rate. I really liked the husband and found the wife very unsympathetic which affected how I interpreted things. Great shots of the family alone and then one or two figures skiing alone in the most amazing mountains – beautiful scenery. The ski resort looked fantastic too.
Jealousy 3 stars. Beautiful to look at – in black and white. Some lovely images. A very handsome lead made this I think. About relationships – leaving and being left. A little girl gave a great performance as the child of separated parents. Understated but a very affecting slice of life. Apparently based on an episode in the Director’s own life. The little girl based on him. Nice.
Leave a Reply