Manifesto

walking into the dark room of the second floor in the NSW art gallery surrounded by screens all playing simultaneously. You sit down, confused watching the last minute of any one short. It starts over and you are instantly captured by the character. Cate Blanchett's stage is calmly set with drone shots and slow continuous camera movements. Here on her stage she draws you into this character, and their life. Blanchett captures your immediate attention and holds it until the screen goes black.

Some stories did not resonate with me but others drew me in and kept me sitting in awe.

Cate Blanchett once again displays her vast array of talent as she plays 12 different characters in 12 different settings decontextualising some of history's famous manifestos, bringing humour and new meaning to them, or perhaps no meaning, to stress a view of meaninglessness to them. There is no conventional narrative here but the film still has urgency to keep you watching through its compelling art direction and wit.

I'm convinced that the internet has erased all meaning from the word "pretentious." It once meant exactly what it sounds like, pretending to be something other than what you are. This film, along with all non-standard films, has evoked countless online accusations of pretense, which in the world of online movie reviews actually just means that the reviewer found it weird and boring. The film does not, and be aware of this is if you plan on watching it, contain a plot-based, narrative fantasy for viewers to follow to a satisfying conclusion. What it does is combine together short slice-of-life vignettes with the reading of various bits of aesthetic and philosophical manifestos. Its appeal will be limited to only people who find the rantings of tortured souls interesting. I have actually read quite a few of the bits that were included in the film, and I find the whole absurd reality of artistic manifestos and philosophical creeds fascinating, so I enjoyed the film. If you're not that kind of nerd, you won't like it. But is it pretentious? No. It did not pretend to be anything other than what it was: a presentation of some famous manifestos in combination with scenes from ordinary life. It is certainly weird, and it will certainly bore most viewers. As always Cate Blanchett's performance is incredible. The cinematography is impeccable.

This film tells the story of twelve people who make manifestos about art and life in general.

The captivating thing about this film is that Cate Blanchett plays twelve different characters in various walks of life. It gives her the opportunity to shine bright as usual.

However, there is little story in the film. The scenes are merely there to convey the manifestos. It is a daring project, but it is probably too artistic for me. I appreciate the concept and the artistic achievement, but I cannot say I enjoyed watching it.

There is more art in this movie than in any of the mainstream movies you will find. It portrays passion for art and ideas humankind used to have in previous centuries. This passion was often expressed in a very radical language, as a result of the struggle between the driven artists and the establishment. All of that has disappeared in recent times, and all art has become derivative and compliant with consumerism.

Cate Blanchett's performance in various parts ranges from great to mesmerising. I've never really paid much attention to her work up until now but based on her acting in Manifesto, she's definitely the greatest actress of our time. She's got it all.

She could turn anyone into a Dadaist.