Written & Directed By: Helene Cattet & Bruno Forzani
Based on The Novel By: Jean-Patrick Manchette & Jean-Pierre Bastid
Cinematography: Manuel Dacosse
Editor: Bernard Beets
Cast: Elina Lowenshon, Stephane Ferrera, Bernie Bonvoisin, Michaelangelo Marchese, Marine Sainsily Marc Barbe, Aline Stevens, Dorylia Calmel
The Mediterranean summer: blue sea, blazing sun....and 250 kg of gold stolen by Rhino and his gang! They had found the perfect hideout: an abandoned and remote hamlet now taken over by a woman artist in search for inspiration. Unfortunately surprise guests and two cops compromise their plan: the heavenly place where wild happenings and orgies used to take place turns into a gruesome battlefield....Relentless and mindblowing.
I won’t lie I haven’t been the biggest fan of these directors previous films even though they have undeniable talents. They just seemed set in making one type of film that was never going to be mainstream or truly simple there would always be an extra layer as to what is going on.
Here at least this time out they have moved in from giallo horror thrillers to more of a conventional crime thriller. Yet feels almost like a spaghetti western.
As usual every shot is almost like a piece of art in itself. As the camera, style and film stays continually inventive. As the films jumps from surreal to fetishistic attention to detail to colorful with a lot of extreme close Up’s.
The film fills in all the holes of information with actions that come from different perspectives. As everyone is Against one another on some way with plenty of reveals and double crosses as allegiance Always seems to be shifting. That the directors sometimes have to explain somewhat or at least show what just happened.
As everyone gets pulled into this situation. There is also a kind of installation of desire as many men seem to have this fantasy or see a mirage of a mysterious woman who resembles Elina Lowenshon gets whipped, tied up, tortured and crucified before being released and having her vengeance. That is symbolic of what the characters are going through and the desire in their souls
Elina Loweshon is the femme fatale at the center but that role doesn’t last purely on her shoulders. Though it is nice to see her again on the big screen as I really haven’t seen her since he left roles is Hal Hartley movies and the cult movie NADJA
One of the cast Members Stephane Ferrera looks exactly like Tommy Lee Jones French or at least European cousin.
As usual in these tales the most valuable thing. Things that are precious survive and outlast all who covet or desires them like an obsessive evil curse that spreads and quickly claims It’s victims.
Though we are constantly aware of the severity, stress and reality of the situations. The film allows you to easily get lost in the fantasy and richness of images. Also everyone’s motives and side stories all as up to a devastating experience.
I can’t say I like or can follow or even really enjoy any of these films but visually and stylistically they are arresting and keep your attention. As they live in surreal. Which sometimes is their saving grace.
GRADE: B+
No comments:
Post a Comment