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The Dancer (2016)
3/10
Left me questioning director Stéphanie Di Giusto
18 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
In many ways, this film was produced like most French films, where dialogue is not the guide for storytelling but rather the body and setting. I enjoy these films; however, most French directors will often mention that this type of aim for a film can pose more of a challenge compared to explanation through dialogue. Unfortunately for me, this was the case with The Dancer. The issue with dialogue being thrown on the back burner is the question it raises for the alternative, leaving room for as much success as there is for the opposite. Although Giusto had done a fair amount of research on Loïe Fuller (Marie Louise Fuller), her angle in which to portray Fuller's story is one of her own preferences, which is natural. But as with any artist and their own opinions and preferences, come the critics and theirs, followed by those dreadful expectations. Luckily, I'm not a critic whose expectations exclude the vision intended by the artist based on my opinion, since art is subjective to me. However, I could not ignore how utterly discontented the movie left me. The film, in general terms, is a well-exaggerated version of Fuller's biopic. Personally, I believe, depending on the changes, there is high risk in certain exaggerations of truth when it comes to biographical motion pictures. For example, the character Louis (who is a fictional character) was mentioned to be a sacrificial male who existed as a mere distraction from the fact that Loïe was homosexual. Giusto explained that it was personally important to her that the dancer's sexuality wasn't the subject. However, towards the end of the film, we witnessed a defeated Loïe who questioned her career and passion for dance, and I couldn't help but subconsciously wonder: was this because she was rejected by her protégé, Isadora Duncan? Did she really throw it all away for one-sided love? Loïe Fuller was displayed as a unique woman who moved freely and by her own law, so no, the fact that she was with a woman wasn't what I took away from this as the main subject, but rather her great sadness towards the rejection of Isadora. It was like she met her match, being faced with a free-spirited girl like herself, she fell in love and it drained her to the bone. It left a negative stain overall. Even without the very peculiar Louis, who lurked in the shadows of Loïe (hoping for her to be his, as she hoped the same from Isadora), other notices beyond the dancers sexuality would've stood out for me. At first I assumed the point was that Loïe, predominately, gave up one passion for another that only rejected her, and in turn, she let misery control her, made the ending a bit more off-track for me. Louis, though irrelevant to the truth of the story, was certainly entertaining. Though I still believe his reason for existing in the first place was unnecessary to the point of overshadowing the dancer's sexuality, I suppose what was also meant to aid in deluding the prominence of Fuller's sexuality was the very brief scenes that Soko (Loïe Fuller) and Lily-Rose Depp (Isadora Duncan) had where a bond was being formed. These scenes were a bit disappointing, but respectfully, I feel it is because they were rather rushed and cheap in essence. Lily Depp was praised by Giusto for being a superb actress at the age of 15-16, I believe. I'm afraid I would have to disagree. Giusto did well in casting Loïe; she mentioned wanting faces that weren't well known. But Lily's acting, although brief, constantly edged toward an amateur performance. She spoke as if she were reading the script in her head and moved as if acting too early on cue, among other things, like a slight lack of authenticity in speech and movement. Other things, like the time skips which felt too masked, but I suppose you will get that when you're doing a biopic and don't have a full portfolio of information about the person. And what about the forwarded ending where we see a Loïe who all of a sudden seems to have found herself? She's older and still teaching dance. I can imagine these choices in direction run the risk of ruining the cinematic aesthetic for viewers, and unfortunately for me, they did. I think generally it was an interesting movie, good in theory. It certainly did open my eyes to other forward thinkers of the 18th century, naming Loïe Fuller as one of them, and for that I can be grateful.
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The Pirate (1984)
2/10
I could dissect it's parts, but truly in my honesty...
30 November 2023
I've seen quite a bit of French films, antiquated and new. But this one by far has been the most tricky out of them all. On one hand, you witness these beings, struggling in their dealings of love amongst other twisted emotions of many. You could decipher what it all means, the love and hate, disgust and misery. It's all there, but what I couldn't help but witness (it was like a sore on the lip, hard to miss really) was the fact that the group constantly flailed about like children, focused on one thing and then the next, a pain to keep up with. It's as if their emotions tumbled like a snow ball effect, each character absorbing the others emotions like a leech-sending each one into a chaotic frenzy of emotions and back and forth events.

My opinion may seem like a simplistic approach to the meaning of it all, but it was a strange viewing to say the least, given that civilization appeared nonexistent when alarming matters took place and the unstable group seemed the type to give any outsider the idea that they may all be better off locked away in padded rooms...

An interesting film, no doubt. However, life resembles all trades of human actions and feeling, and this was certainly a display.
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Infinity Pool (2023)
4/10
Simply a "what if" theorized movie...must be, because much was amiss.
16 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The point of the director's direction in film is critical and should always be considered when being a critic of any kind towards someone's art. However, based on the movies description, insinuating and implying a mere situation amongst wealthy people who wish to escape from their mundane lives and take risks-I'd assumed it's safe to say that this movie wasn't supposed to have much of a plot line other than what would naturally and realistically occur in this situation (in cinematic theory).

If you want to rationalize this move to it's sense, it seems only doable when you view it and it's situations like a real life possibility. And as we know, when it comes to real life, there is often little to no set plot line and things won't make sense or offer closure.

But if that is indeed the movies sense of direction, it seems fair to judge it like so. With the opinions of my own, because that's life.

My review:

The movie starts off with a couple, James and Em. They are on a luxury resort because James is a writer seeking inspiration for his new book. Now, I will speed things along and mention only the parts which don't seem to be clicking here.

Em is the rich one, shes simplistic and skittish overall. Versus James who over the course of the movie is mentioned to be broke and a failed writer.

Immediately the movie kind of gives subtle hints that James and Em (in some way) are detached from one another. That maybe he wants more but Em possibly doesn't know what she wants. They have this very mild "love hate" thing going on with each other. Em is even seen talking about how they met as if she didn't know why she was with him and that maybe she made the wrong choice. James could probably see that too, which may be why he resents her.

Gabi.. (Let me just say the fact that Mia Goth was casted in this told me ahead of time that she would be made the odd underdog/turned sub main character. It's honestly annoying in this film, anyhow..) she's already seen seducing this broke, failed writer, touching him and staring at him at moments, hinting at her ulterior motive. James seems to be curious and likes this, but of course because he's bored and looking for a change, maybe not just for his writing but in life in general.

What I noticed though, is it seemed like in the movie "Mother" staring Jennifer Lawrence, no one seemed to pay much attention or cared for Em. She was the one with very few conversations to be had at the table and she received the fewest looks her way, which I suppose was because of her quiet, fragile and perhaps simple character. But what confused me was everyone was rich except James really... why would a group of rich people be so interested in a poor and terrible writer?

They did mention how they wanted to toy with him, he was their fun, but honestly... the director was better off using Em as the main character and perhaps even changing her characteristics. It wouldn't make sense with how her character was (to join the reckless group) but to see James who overall proved to be this pathetic waste of a man... it was disappointing to see a person of his character live on a high of risky thrill for the sake of his own temporary pleasure. And of course, a high will fade and crash.

There also seems to be a lot of emphasis on Gabi and her role to James. It's like she's trying hard to appeal to him for her own amusement and he takes the bait. In the end, she's back into her mundane personality as if she really wasn't special at all. And frankly, none of these people were. It was frustrating seeing foreigners cause such a disturbance in a foreign country and pay their way each time to freedom with no guilt. I wish they really faced their consequences truly, but again, this is a movie.

Speaking of those "doubles"... what was the point in mentioning how poor James was? Really... they kept talking about how he was broke and he even put the room in Em's name as if he couldn't cover expenses. But somehow he could pay for his doubles so he wouldn't be executed? It would've made the movie more interesting if when he offered to use a double, Em cut off their (assumed) joint bank account or whatever currency he was on that she could've potentially been in control of, leading him to his legitimate death or down another rabbit hole of sorts. However, I guess their little relationship drama really had no meaning whatsoever...

And speaking on when James was seen watching his double get stabbed with the family, it was upsetting me how he was in the room with the double with the family. I could only imagine that the family wouldn't be able to control their anger with the actual murderer sitting behind them... made no sense

This movie seemed purely for aesthetic purposes only, which makes sense giving who was casted and other factors. I thought this movie would be worth 7/10 but really it's just sort of disappointing. But that's my opinion.
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1/10
What was the aim?
11 December 2022
The films description appeared authentic and catchy in theory, but after viewing, the execution of these characters and their situations unfolding; all together sat on the line of try-hard and unnecessary tragicness. There was a lot of odd dialogue/sense of comedy (for those with an acquired taste I'm sure) and unexplained, random and pointless scenes that felt like intermissions in between happenings. Judging by this film, I'm not sure if adults having casual romantic interest/intercourse with minors is normal in Berlin after a certain age but it sure was portrayed as something casual and not a big deal for both parties involved here.. it was even joked about. There really isn't a plot here, and when movies are shot with the intention of walking the viewer through a characters journey with action based storytelling, they usually follow some sort of organized plot line (the best ones do). But perhaps the director was telling different stories in one, or a true story of some sort? Who knows. All I know is this film left me utterly confused and quite discomfited as events came just as quick and dramatic as they went.
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Looping (2016)
8/10
A film that uncovers relatable things.. life as we speak
7 December 2022
This movie was a good viewing for sure, a movie I'm thrilled I saw at least once. It's title "Looping" is fitting, given that these three women are in psychiatric help because of their looped, mundane (and, or) tragic state and cycle of their lives. The movie was filmed in aspect of the characters, leaving viewers to piece together their stories without so much literal explanation from the characters. Now, that can be a good or bad thing depending on a few things; plot direction, your enjoyment and capability of picking up body language, expressions and words that come off quite aloof or too alluding for a clear explanation (you may assume). However, I tend to enjoy these type of movies as it feels like developing a real and raw understanding of a character. There seems to be a question of direction in life, brought up between the three women. Their issues are generally relatable, as well as the bonds formed, consisting of platonic and romantic elements. There was one scene where I couldn't quite understand what was happening, and some things seemed to go amiss as the aim for this film was on other things, directors choice. But to a keen observer, there is much to uncover here.
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2/10
I genuinely thought it couldn't get worse..
18 October 2022
The short, dull synopsis explains it all, the quality especially. If you did not read the in-depth description of this movie and decide to watch it, it would be very hard for you to place how any of these characters know each other aside from the maid. This movie is as good as a Life Time or Hallmark movie.. the acting is overdone and the plot slowly but surely becomes predictable. There are many loopholes in this storyline with little to no explanation on why or how certain things happened. Everyone in this movie tends to overact, the least being the maid (in my opinion). The progression of relationships seem to happen unnaturally quick, as if the director was on crunch time and began cramming the plot for a quick ending at the end. This could've been better, but than again, when have you seen a plot similar or likened to this done to it's best?

The scenery was beautiful, that deserves the second star I believe.
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10/10
A modern love story: Of sorts indeed
17 October 2022
Although, Bang Gang forwardly touches on specific true events had by the curiosities, desires and boredom of the modern-teenage life, it well captures the freedom and the euphoric/dejected, consciousness in the quick moving life-span of these events in teen life today. It feels as though instead of experiencing these fast moments (like things often seemed as a teenager), it's like we're on the back-burner of their minds, watching in a cinematic sense and taking in the subtle details. Playfully reckless actions taken, lust, the sudden bursts of excitement, wanting to feel alive, wanting to be wanted and eventually wishing to be left alone VS the common crowd. Feelings that I believe are commonly amplified in teen years. Whether you are now an adult or a teen looking to view this film, afterwards you may think that this movie depicts nothing more than bad decisions and the lewd minds of youth today; or that maybe this display of teen life is but yet another overrated tale of many. But as an adult who appreciates French films and this common preference for the essence of a moment expressed (which most would view as a dull, simplistic happening in a scene), the director did well to display emotion through the characters actions, down to their very gestures, keying into longing; annoyance, lust, love, sadness, joy, coping and the journey onward after a summer's end of fun with little to no responsibility.

This movie made me appreciate my past teen years even more so. Fleeting moments experienced, the friends and strangers met, good and bad, it all plays as a certain structure in our subconscious learning as we grow into our future selves and venture into adulthood, and man does it fly by.

In the movie, Laetitia mention's how everything went by so fast, feeling like a dream. There's this look of heavy thought expressed on her face, perhaps reminiscing..

And then it's on to the next thing.
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Backstage (2005)
7/10
Captures the essence of early 2000s celeb & fan life
22 September 2022
Granted, this movie depicts what I would imagine any celebrity driven to the edge by fame and it's expectations, would go through. A woman who's life of being a celebrity appears just as unstable as the former, Amy Winehouse or likened to Britney Spears. These were also women of the early 2000s era where bottling things up was the way and events and expectations were more extreme and outrageous. Versus the current times we're in where it's become brave and admirable for celebrities to be outspoken about their truths of the industry, defending and protecting themselves and their sanity more so.

Not sure what the director, Emmanuelle Bercot was trying to accomplish with this film, however.. my assumptions were that this was merely a 'Once upon a time' tale of an overworked celebrity and a crazed fan. A story that I'm sure holds small truths to the lives of those who've been in these situations before. This seems like a story told for the fun of it, for that I can't be mad.

I personally feel like there could've been more scenes with the two women, but nonetheless, it is what it is.
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10/10
In this movie lies laws of life
20 September 2022
Everything Everywhere All at Once, lives up to it's title of everything being everywhere all at once.

This is a busy movie with large to little detail that could be easily missed, so I recommend watching it when you're well awake and have time.

Now I truly believe this movie will be a hit or miss based on the type of person you are, your beliefs and perspectives. But I will say that if you watch it once in your current mind and come out hating it or confused by it, ask yourself.. have you ever wanted to be more than one thing but felt you couldn't? Were you ever sad and felt that misery had to be the way forever? Do you ever feel stuck in your reality? That things can't be different? If you answered yes to any of these, this movie is for you. And if you don't get it, go back and watch it again, this time try and apply it to your current situations in life. I did, and it enlightened me greatly.

I watched this at a pivotal time in my life/former relationship and while stuck in the thought process of hating labels and "why can't something be more than one thing?". I believe because of that and who I am, this movie hit home...real hard. I laughed, cried and got confused even. But at the end it was like the movie spoke in code that I well understood. Me and my now-ex watched it while struggling to figure out what our relationship was now that I wanted one thing and he wanted another, we couldn't find middle ground and were caught up with labels, expectations, feelings and the worlds reasonings. This movie alone answered our muddled questions.

This movie is like art at the museum. You don't always get it at first, sometimes you have to walk around it and catch it at different angles in order to have something click. I would say it's even a movie that has a time and a place in which you should watch it, for you to understand. My life was calling for this movie and was aligned with it when I viewed it. Therefore it spoke volumes. I hope it does and did the same for you.

Everything Everywhere All at Once acts like a true therapy session and life lesson if you dig deep enough, let go and let it. There's no saying what lesson to be learned for you personally, it all depends on you. But it won't leave you empty handed, and if you feel it's left you so? Search for the message because I'm telling you it's there.

The acting was superb as well as the animation and out-the box creativity. My soul needed this movie.
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9/10
An interesting gem I was glad to find
17 September 2022
This movie is a perfect example of why I tell those to first try and keep an open mind when viewing entertainment. I encourage you to watch it before reading this review and all others.

When we're judging anything it's often based on our personal desires, what we've read and our own expectations off of that. Expectations give way to disappointment. The reason why personal expectation often proves as the wrong tool to use for a critic is because rarely do we ask THE most important question... what was the director (and/or writer) trying to accomplish?

Now even without knowing what the director/writer was trying to accomplish, I still try and keep neutral in judgment with a personal preference for a good plot line.. at least.

Isilde Lebesco is one of my favorite actresses and directors. She often takes risks-and from what I've noticed-brings light to things hidden in the dark. Interesting character displays that you may not favor in a person, but resemble reality, true emotions, situations and people that are among us in our daily lives. It's what drove me to view more of her work and I happened to stumble across this interesting movie.

Now I haven't found much on the director's intentions for this movie (as much of the videos I found are in french with no english translation), but I'm guessing the intentions and meaning were along the lines of merely depicting a potentially real situation amongst two women. If that were the case, I personally could not be mad at how this movie turned out. Because if this were a real situation? Realistically, anything could've happened, the possible endings are countless and it had to end with one.

Also I've noticed that endings in quite a bit of European films are dramatic or bitter to most.

Personal opinions:

Did I like the ending? No. Was it realistic for the current situation? Yes.

I enjoyed the plot but wish there was more expansion on the characters and the scene's themselves as a lot of the scenes seem cut throat, like they want you to get the gist of what's happening only.

The two women undergo many emotions with each other. The events are slow growing which I usually appreciate, but not here when there is missing character development and you have all these scenes where you have to decipher what is happening based off of a drawn out, non-talking setting that lasts 2-5 minutes. You get the picture and it's nice to see the actresses reactions as if you're in the room, experiencing it with them. But for the plots sake? I wish there was more to show for the two women and their relationship.

Why did I not like the ending? Well what if you had a friend who complained how they hated their cat but wants the cat to live with them, while at the same time doesn't want the cat around.. wouldn't that aggravate you?

In conclusion, I've literally seen this movie 5 plus times and enjoy these eye opening, reality driven, lesbian movies and those type movies in general. This will forever remain a favorite of mine and I'm glad it exists. Passion, obsession, repulsion, lust and all.
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8/10
A film long overdue
17 September 2022
This isn't a movie you'll want to watch with expectations, you must keep an open mind. There are three characters mainly involved and one is seen as different from the others, for reasons later revealed. There is something to be learned from the three of them. This film is beautifully done from acting all the way to the LGBTQ+ representation that stretches beyond surface, covering and bringing awareness to real life situations and emotions rarely shown in mainstream media and entertainment, especially when it comes to these characters and their circumstances. I believe there are multiple lessons to be learned here. This movie shows the troubles of counting on your own expectations to fulfill your being in the face of anything or anyone. It also touches on how important it is to stand in your truth-in your own time-to do, live and shine for yourself.

Eight out of ten stars are for personal reasons. Certain scenes and transitions I would've liked to see done differently. Nonetheless, it was a ten and the message was overall important.

The movie is very well done.
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The Adored (2012)
1/10
Very disappointing
29 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Don't know what the director was thinking. None of these characters are likable. The model appears to be ditzy, lost, in her own head and has this sort of innocence. While the photographer comes off having OCD, a bit odd and maybe even aggravated most times, mysterious. You don't know who to root for and there's lack of explanation for most of what's happening and it doesn't get resolved in the end (at least not in a way that makes sense), so if you plan to view this movie keep in mind that you won't find closure over most of the confusing events that happen. The character build is weak. One moment you find yourself understanding why one character does one thing and then you end up being completely lost by something else that they do later on, terrible. The ending made me very upset because it ends in THE worst way possible. Again, you will be confused and there will be no explanation for what you just saw. This movie is a complete disaster.
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