Capsule Reviews
Here are a few brief thoughts on several films I’ve seen recently:
Precious (Daniels, 2009)
The critical acclaim this film has received is baffling. “Precious” contains strong performances especially by newcomer Gabourey Sidibe (well deserving of an Oscar nomination) but every other aspect of the film falls flat: the direction is sloppy and contrived (why Lee Daniels received a best director nod is ludicrous), the character’s lack substantial depth to empathize with them despite their dire situations, the over-the-top melodrama becomes unintentional comedy and the story leaves much to be desired. It succeeds as a decent drama rather than a narrative but is still ultimately, forgettable. 4/10
101 Reykjavik (Kormákur, 2000)
Walking a fine line between comedy and tragedy, 101 Reykjavik is a quirky little film from Iceland. As part of the 20-something slacker generation, Hlynur (Hilmir Snaer Gudnason) is a pensive and melancholic young man who feels stuck in his small town but is reluctant to take any immediate action to remedy the situation. The story mainly focuses on his various sexual excursions and troubled relationship with his lesbian mother when they both fall for the same woman.
The subject matter of ennui, arrested development in young adults or characters facing the uncertainties of the future usually strike a chord with me but this film left me fairly indifferent. Much of the problem stems from the unsympathetic protagonist and the story which often succumbs to silly soap opera antics.
The director does a great job of capturing the blistering cold temperatures and vast snowy winter landscapes of rural Iceland. From an aesthetic standpoint, there are plenty of great-looking shots and interesting camera movement. However, I wish more emphasis was placed on creating a more compelling protagonist. Nonetheless, the director shows talent and considering this was his first film, there is certainly potential for improvement.
6/10
