The Mastermind

Surprised myself by giving this a relatively high rating but, having endured 'After the Hunt' the day before, I found this film full of interest and subtlety.

Yes- there are extended scenes during which I felt perplexed as to their detail and longevity and yet I remained focussed and intrigued.

No- I didn't 'get' the anti-war connections or some of the relationships and yet this did not deter me from wanting to continue.

Yes- some left and missed the irony - I think- of the ending. I'd like to see it again to consolidate my thoughts.

An oddity but well worth an open-minded viewing!

I watched this movie in a sneak preview, so I knew nothing about it and wanted to be surprised. Over all I got the feeling this movie (showing the end of the sixties I guess) promotes old cars and busses from that time, has the speed of 60 years ago, has a very confusing script and mostly shows how to give a definition of a looser. On top of that the jazz music does not work at all with the images and the story telling. So, I was surprised but in a bad way!

I like the main actor. The cinematography was good sometimes. One could argue the movie had its own vibe and style. However, to be frank: it's a voting movie where each scene seems to mean nothing, story threads lead nowhere and the ending just leaves us with questions: what? This was it? What was the point of this movie? I don't think there's was one.

Wow, can't believe there's such negativity about this film. It's as though TikTok has made too large an impact, and people are extremely uncomfortable with quiet, meditative moments. My heart was beating fast during much of it, I love how Kelly doesn't spoon-feed the audience with what's exactly happening in every scene. It doesn't make it boring at all, your mind is constantly working, and it's hilarious laughing at these really dumb characters. I thought there was maybe 5-10 minutes of our main character traveling towards the mid-ending where we could've trimmed it slightly, but other than that I absolutely loved the pacing, and it's why I come back to Kelly's films time and time again, rejuvenated that film isn't dead. It's sad so many people are confused by it, I truly don't understand.

As soon as the film started, I was transported back to the '70s. The colour hues, the quiet street corners dressed in autumn leaves-so much stillness.

Kelly Reichardt makes slowly unravelling films filled with dry humour, and the endings are always a surprise.

Since seeing this film a few days ago, it has stayed with me. That's a good sign in my book.

I'm so glad we have filmmakers like her; they make you reflect on your own life and choices.

Brilliant.