Manifesto

The Manifesto is a German artist Julien Rosefeldt, played by Cate Blanchett's 13 different characters. Each character that Blanchett spots plays and sings passages from different manifestos. It's obviously a hard-to-follow, hard-core movie.

Still, the film has a fluent narrative. Rosefeldt identifies each character with a manifesto. It is possible to say, "What does he mean?" As the words flow rapidly. Because the content needs to be placed in a context and doing so is not possible because of the "difficult to follow" that I am talking about.

Although this situation reduces the pleasure of the film, it is not disconnected from the narrative that it reveals in general terms. Blanchett offers a one-man show. He did not portray his characters as if he had lived / lived. In parallel, I can say that atmosphere, make-up and fiction are also top level. It is also worth noting that the manifestos associated with Blanchett's performance, or the humor that he created about the contents ...

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.

Manifesto might be the most unique viewing experience I've had in a while. Directed by German artist Julian Rosefeldt, who according to Wikipedia: "Elaborate, visually opulent film and video installations, often shown as panoramic multi-channel projections." I did more digging and found out Manifesto was originally an art installation. From the photos I've seen, visitors to the exhibit would walk to different screens where a clip of the movie would be playing. I think that's the gist of it at least.

Now I'd be lying if I told you I understood any of the monologues or "manifestos" presented in this movie. If I'm not mistaken, I believe one was about the relationship between art and capitalism. If anything, this movie felt like an entire semester of art philosophy crammed into an hour and a half film. I don't usually watch these kinds of experimental movies where plot is basically non-existent, but Cate Blanchett got me through it all.

Okay so here is what I wanted to talk about the most, Cate Blanchett's performance. I've always loved Cate Blanchett as an actress but Manifesto made me realize how amazing and talented she really is. I can't believe I never realized she had THIS much range. In one scene, she's playing a mousey housewife eating dinner with her family and in another, she's a brash punk-rocker chick. I was absolutely floored. The way she is able to slip into all of these roles astonished me. I swear, she slips into these performances like most people slip into shoes.

Even though we know nothing about any of these characters, we can infer who these people are by their facial expressions, behavior, and tone of voice. All the body language felt authentic and true for each character. In fact, I want to know more about these people. I could watch Cate Blanchett play a punk-rocker chick or a dance choreographer for hours. I would pay more attention to the news if Cate Blanchett was the anchor.

I also want to commend the costuming, hairstyling, makeup, etc. They really did elevate Cate's transformations throughout the film. In one scene, she's a loud, dirty, male drunk and in another, she's this really beautiful and well-spoken party host. I just loved seeing the contrasts that highlighted her versatility.

As I said before, I had no idea what was being said in regards to the philosophical art-talk, but Cate's performance kept me engaged the whole time. If anything this film may have convinced me that she's the best actress working right now. I can't believe I'm saying that over somebody's art project, but Cate Blanchett simply killed it.

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.

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.