Persona

I really thought A Woman is a Woman is a weird film to begin with but after seeing Persona by Ingmar Bergman, I realized that European Film can still get a lot more strange. The very beginning of Persona is rather disturbing as it shows a montage of images that are quite unrelated to one another. Up until now, I still cannot figure out what those images actually meant in relation to the film. It gave an eerie vibe that lasted throughout the film and supplemented the black and white colors.

In the film, our protagonists were put into a position wherein they had no choice but to be intimate to one another. Elisabet is a renowned stage actress who is spending time in a psychiatric facility because she suffered psychological breakdown. Alma is the nurse that was assigned to Elisabet. The doctor decides to lend her summer vacation house to Elisabet for the entire duration of her recovery and Alma was to accompany her. With this, Alma had to trust and confide to Elisabet eventually. Things started to take unexpected turns from this point onwards as some of the events that would follow would not make any logical sense. The two got increasingly close with each other and even got themselves into a drama. Their fascination with one another led them to create a deep emotional connection. They may be two different individuals but with the time spent with one another, they are almost merged into one persona. This was reinforced by Bergman’s act of composing a close up which connects half of Alma’s face to half of Elisabet’s face. They were shown to be eerily similar to one another.

I am yet to appreciate the elements that are present in this film. I had a hard time trying to grasp what is really happening because of the illogical instances that would suddenly interrupt the storyline. It might be Bergman’s way of adding artistic value to the film but I think I might need to watch Persona again in order to appreciate them. With this, I honestly am not too fond of how the movie turned out. I am not a big fan of the genre that was covered by Persona but it was a film that was worth seeing and learning.

Holy Cow

I cannot think of anything else aside from this expression after watching Holy Motors by Leos Carax. Words are not enough to explain how strange the movie was for me. Words are also not enough to just plainly explain what the movie is all about. Given that the film was only made recently, I expected it to be a lot more coherent just like any other mainstream movie that we see today. I thought it would be far more different and a lot less complicated as compared to the previous films that we have seen in class. Yes, the movie might be weird and unconventional but I wouldn’t say that it was not exciting. It felt like the director, Leos Carax, paints on an empty canvass with varying forms of artworks. It also felt like watching several films trimmed into the coherence of our ever-changing protagonist. The scenes constantly change that is why you really have to pay attention to the details. In my first time watching, I get stuck trying to comprehend that events that just happened. I had to watch the film for the second time just to appreciate what every scene has to offer. The way I interpret the film, I think Carax is trying to send a message by appearing in the beginning but I would not expound much about this due to my limited knowledge about the director. The scenes that follow after that appeared to me as the life of an actor taking on different personalities and forms from the beggar to an old man in his deathbed. In all these transitions, it feels like the actor experiences dehumanization by finding difficulty in reconciling with his or her true identity. Aside from this idea, it was honestly quite hard for me to understand the rest of the details that were presented in the movie. I may not be too familiar with the context, reference, or inspiration for the various changes in our protagonist’s appointments. Despite watching the film twice, I was still left dumbfounded by Holy Motors. It is in this aspect that it becomes similar with older European films such as Persona. It really provokes you as a viewer to think and understand what really is happening or to know if there really something that is to be understood. I cannot say that I did not enjoy the movie but I still have a lot of questions about it. I also find it really hard to appreciate these kinds of films because you never really know what you are looking for or what is being presented to you. Otherwise, the other aspects of the film were nothing short of amazement. The cinematography and direction of the film was well done in blending everything that is happening in the movie. I usually take a break whenever I encounter films such as this. I need the time to reconcile my thought and reevaluate what I have just seen. Despite this, I am still open to seeing similar kinds of film as I still try to learn how to appreciate them for their ambiguity.

Heavy Metal?

Image Source:
https://www.episodi.fi/uutiset/bandi-nimelta-impaled-rektum-vaihtoi-nimensa-hevi-reissuksi-trailerilla-kohelletaan-kuin-kummelissa-parhaimmillaan/

At first glance, comedy and heavy metal seem to be a strange combination. How would you expect something intense and powerful to be comical? I can’t really imagine these men with long hair and face paint to be laughter-inducing. To my surprise, that is what Juuso Laatio and Jukka Vidgren did with their spoof entitled Heavy Trip. I consider it a feel-good movie just because of the good vibes and laughter that it brings. Despite the language barrier and difference in cultures, I was still able to appreciate the humor of this film. It made a lot of references that heavy metal fans would particularly enjoy but its comedic factor is something to be cherished by the wider audience. It may even teach a thing or two to the audience about the stigma that is attached to Heavy Metal. The characters in the film are being discriminated for being different. But then, you get to see how these Heavy Metal artists live a “normal” life after all and are capable of getting involved in wacky and goofy circumstances. They have their own dreams as well as seen in their pursuit of the chance to play in the music festival in Norway. The film bears similarities with other comedy movies about bands and their journey to stardom. In watching Heavy Trip, I was reminded of School of Rock and Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny. The characters are actually comical in themselves given their own backstories and complexities. Their collective naivety also adds to what makes them lovable. They may be facing their own troubles and misfortunes but as a viewer, you do know that they will eventually figure things out. That is the reason why you can just relax and enjoy the show for the entirety of the movie as they “make a fool” out of themselves. Whether or not they reach success in the end, the journey that they went through as a band is what really matters more. As a viewer, the film makes you feel as if you’re part of their adventures and ups and downs. It is thrilling yet fun rollercoaster ride.

I am really into comedy films just for the laughs and the good vibes. Heavy Trip was totally unexpected and it certainly did not disappoint. It serves as a proof that comedy can still cut through cultural differences especially if it pertains to popular culture references. The filmmakers certainly did not restrain themselves from stretching that humor that was presented in the film. They were able to maximize their potential without offending too much. The brilliantly-written script just goes to show the directors’ knack for jokes. Their timing proved to be perfectly fitting as well for the different scenes of the film. I may not fully understand the language but the subtitles, body language, and tone proved to be sufficient in retaining the comedic factor of Heavy Trip. I would not mind watching this movie over and over again and I would certainly try watching European films that are similar to this one.

Tender and Juicy

Image Source:
https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/apr/09/raw-julia-ducournau-cannibal-fantasy-review-kermode

Raw by Julia Ducournau is definitely not for the faint of the heart (or those who easily lose their appetite). It is not particularly “tender” to audiences in showing scenes that involve cannibalism but for some weird reason, this film really sparked my curiosity. Instead of looking away during all the intense flesh-eating action, I watch intently as Justine, the protagonist, chew on her scrumptious human meal. There is something about this film that makes cannibalism look more than just a savage and unethical act. The way I saw it, it signifies that strong and passionate desires of the siblings in the movie. No matter how intensely gruesome and ridiculous it is, they can’t resist doing it because that is who they really are and that is what they really want. The film is just different from the other gory movies that I saw in a sense that it has something deeper to tell to its viewers. Even though using cannibalism as a representation is a bit too sick and overboard, I got the idea that the film is about the struggles the one has to overcome in finding one’s identity. It is a coming of age movie after all. The film begins with an innocent Justine who is just entering her first year in college. Because of her sister Alexia, she is further pushed into her own awakening.

If Raw was a wholesome film about something else that does not involve cannibalism, it would’ve been really easy and fun to watch. Its cinematography is different from the other films watched in class because it is only released recently. Although it contained a lot of horrendous scenes, the direction is still aesthetically pleasing. The two main characters, Justine and Alexia, are particularly strong in their own ways and their relationship with one another may resonate well with the audience. It kind of signifies the path that Justine has been led into. She goes through a lot of struggle and rejection in her growth to realizing who she really is. Her growth in the film may be relatable for the teenagers of today, except for the flesh-eating qualities. The film also wouldn’t make much sense if it was taken too literally or realistically. It works more on metaphors and representation. One could argue about certain possibilities in the movie such as the actions that should’ve been done in order to prevent our protagonists from turning into savages and ending in disastrous results but that is not really how it work in real life. The reality is, we are often left on our own in trying to figure out ourselves and that brings the impact for the movie.

Out of all the gory or horror movies that I have watched, Raw must be one of the most interesting ones. It does not pointlessly make use of cannibalism just to showcase terror. It makes use of terror to make a point to its viewers. If you can sit through the entire duration of the film without closing your eyes, you will Rget to truly appreciate Raw for what it really is and what it is really trying to say.

Turn back the clock

As Image Source:
https://letterboxd.com/film/timecrimes/

As seen in the image above, the way our protagonist looks through his imaginary binoculars kind of resembles an infinity sign. That is kind of fitting to what Timecrimes is really all about. It’s more than an hour of struggling with Hector, the central figure in the story, to get out of the time loop that he found himself in. Although the movie is about time travel, it is quite different from the mainstream or more conventional films that follow the same concept. It is rather banal for something that falls under the science fiction. One would expect a lot of spectacle and special effects but that is not the case for this movie. The director, Nacho Vigalondo, relied more on his brilliance in making this film work. The storytelling focused more on tackling the consequences of time travelling rather than its excitement factor. What makes it a lot interesting is that it sparks curiosity among the viewers and it provokes you to think critically. In a way, it wants you to participate in the mind-boggling events that Hector is going through. The plot devices are there to help the audience and the protagonist connect the dots. The binoculars, scissors, and walkie-talkie are among the most significant objects that are used throughout the film. You really have to pay attention to these things because they will eventually help make sense of everything as the story progresses. Even the characters such as El Joven and the woman in the woods played pivotal roles in the unfolding of events. All these factors were smoothly interconnected.

The film might be a bit weird and confusing for the first few parts but it definitely keeps you hooked. You’ll find yourself looking for more answers, and eventually, struggle in trying to figure out what is happening. There is a sort of involvement required as the story follows Hector. The audience is part of the dilemma that he is facing, from the curiosity in the beginning and the estrangement from Hector himself as he grow increasingly unpredictable due to the events.

I particularly enjoyed how Timecrimes appeared to be a perfect mix of varying genres. The science fiction aspect is there but it remained dark and ominous all throughout. It even felt like a purely horror/thriller movie during the scenes where Hector 1 is being chased by the “masked killer” Hector 2. Despite the series of unfortunate events, the film found time to present humor through the naivety of Hector. It wasn’t much of a roller-coaster because the essence of the film remained intact. In fact, the mix of genres may have even contributed to the overall effect of Timecrimes. Overall, the movie is a must-watch for me. It found its beauty in its simplicity while still managing to be magnificently challenging to watch.

Three Billy Goats Gruff: A Movie Review of Trollhunter (2010)

Given its title, I was expecting this film to start in such a high note or at least open with an intense action scene wherein our protagonist is being chased down by an enormous troll. I also thought it was going to be an action-adventure film with a mortal hero that hunts overpowered trolls with his sidekicks. Soon after realizing that it is a “found footage” documentary type of film, I got disappointed for I am not a fan of those types of movie. I like how they add a more realistic and intimate touch to the stories that they tell. However, I am not too fond of the first person point-of-view and the film qualities that come along with it. Going back to the movie, the opening scenes gave me the chance to immerse myself into it. They gave a quite dark and serious tone that makes you feel that something big is about to unfold. The footage of the interviews made by our protagonists gives a certain involvement for the audience. The perspective puts us in the shoes of our characters but what differs is that we already have our notions of the possible outcomes in the film. It makes you want to stop our protagonists from proceeding further given the feeling of impending danger but the story goes on.

I personally find the film very tiring to watch. Some scenes take longer than usual for a significant event to happen. Despite the suspension of disbelief, it was difficult for me to agree with the logical reasoning of our characters because I am really not on the same page as them. As a regular viewer who imagines the things that I would do if I were in their position, I do not really find myself making the same decisions. Also, I must be used to seeing “found footage” films in the form of horror movies which are way more fast-paced and thrilling. I tried to appreciate the film as it is anyway.

On a more positive note, I loved the idea behind the film’s story. I am familiar with the idea of trolls given my knowledge about Norse Mythology, stories from childhood fairy tales and folklore, and contemporary films and cartoons. This film gave me a newfound appreciation for this mythological creature and its significance to Norwegian culture. I never expected a film to include trolls in a much modern setting but this movie was able to mix the two quite well. It also stays true to how these creatures are presented in other media or in the original folklore. I remember knowing certain details about trolls such as their vicious nature and weakness to sunlight among others. These were carried into the movie, even with its own modifications like Hans’ UV light anti-troll weapon. Details such as these draw me closer to a movie because it has something to say especially when it comes to the culture of the country being represented. If a similar movie was made about the creature from Philippine folklore, I would love to watch it.

Eccentric Rom-com

Eccentric. That is the first word that comes to mind after watching the first few minutes of A Woman is a Woman by Jean-Luc Godard. It is an entirely new ballgame for those who are used to seeing Hollywood movies. I myself was always on my toes, waiting for something to happen but to no avail. I expected the scenes to change or at least increasingly turn into something more exciting but they remain flat. The cameras stay inside the apartment as they mainly follow and focus on Angela, the protagonist. It creates an uncanny yet intimate feeling to the viewers, making it seem like we are stuck inside the all-white walls of her apartment to witness different events unfold. Some of the scenes wold start slow until they eventually turn into a roller coaster of emotions that is quite fast to follow. They leave the viewers grasping to comprehend how events turn out. The musical score even amplifies the atmosphere of certain scenes but the way the music abruptly stops and turns everything into a deafening silence (aside from the dialogue of the characters) leave the audience hanging. Everything else were entirely strange.

To be honest, I find it really unusual but I never lost interest in watching it. One would never expect what exactly would happen in the scenes that would follow given the arbitrariness of the entire film. It brings the viewers’ attention to all sorts of elements that are being introduced without straying too far from the situation of the characters. One would be the eye-catching colors and details of most scenes inside the apartment. Another would be the choreography that goes smoothly with the characters and the vibe that the film is trying to give. Interludes or events that are quite absurd, such as Emile riding a bicycle inside the apartment, would just pop out. It really felt like watching art.

Despite the theatricality, one could also easily immerse into the lives of the characters. The intimacy offered by the film to its viewers allow us to understand the emotions of Angela, Emile, and Alfred regardless of the irrationality of most of their issues and reasoning. That may be added to the comedic factor that bizarrely complements the drama. The constant switch between the two emotions provided a playful personality to the film.

The entire film might be something really unique but I cannot say that I did not enjoy it. It offers a completely new experience from the types of films that I am used to and it only brings excitement to someone who is yet to experience films of this caliber. It challenges the viewer to actually notice the other elements in a film. For me, A Woman is a Woman gracefully broke the barriers of a “normal” film.