This movie is about an older film critic (Bob) who lives a lonely life and goes through his daily routine with not much things going on in his life. What becomes apparent from the very beginning of the movie is that Bob is emotionally reserved person, introvert, and as such secure: with no friends or family he has nothing to risk and nothing to lose, but also nothing to gain on a deep, emotional level. Secure in his little world -- consisting of his apartment and a nearby cinema -- he keeps his daily routine going on for years.
However, things start to change when he becomes attracted to a much younger girl (Sylvia Hoeks) working in the theater. His long-time suppressed emotionality starts to surface and an inner struggle develops. He finally has a chance to find happiness in his life, but on the expense of emotional attachment and vulnerability. The main character's emotional component is depicted through Bob's alter ego -- Duska -- an uninvited visitor who speaks language Bob does not understand and who doesn't want to leave.
Once it is understood that Duska is not a real person, but a suppressed component of Bob's personality, all other pieces of the movie fit together perfectly.
This is a full, big movie, with superb story, acting, and music. The topic is universal and timeless and the way it is handled is brilliant. There are no loose ends -- the storyline is well-developed through the movie and closed at the end. A sincere and true masterpiece. 10/10
However, things start to change when he becomes attracted to a much younger girl (Sylvia Hoeks) working in the theater. His long-time suppressed emotionality starts to surface and an inner struggle develops. He finally has a chance to find happiness in his life, but on the expense of emotional attachment and vulnerability. The main character's emotional component is depicted through Bob's alter ego -- Duska -- an uninvited visitor who speaks language Bob does not understand and who doesn't want to leave.
Once it is understood that Duska is not a real person, but a suppressed component of Bob's personality, all other pieces of the movie fit together perfectly.
This is a full, big movie, with superb story, acting, and music. The topic is universal and timeless and the way it is handled is brilliant. There are no loose ends -- the storyline is well-developed through the movie and closed at the end. A sincere and true masterpiece. 10/10