Maldoror

I know it should be called "if you can" ... and I reckon that would have worked too ... but I decided to go that way ... still no pun intended. The movie is based on a real story - and me not having any idea what happened back in the 90s ... and from what I understand this takes a lot of creative licenses ... with who did what to whom ... who survived and who didn't ... and I assume the main character (police/gendarmerie) is an amalgamation of many characters into one - I could obviously be wrong, but I would not be surprised if that was the case.

That said, the movie might be long (2,5 hours), but it never really feels that way. Well maybe during the wedding stuff at the beginning ... been there, done and know that. Greeks party similar - like the Italians ... is this necessary for the story? I would argue not ... but maybe I am missing something.

The thrilling part is really well done ... you feel with the main character ... a lot of things go wrong ... he has the right eye, he has the right "nose" ... but will he be able to convince others of that? A lot of departments working almost against each other ... this is well told and acted ... still for me a factor x is missing to make this go over the top ... as many praises as it has gotten ... and as good as it is ... the last push is missing ... a bit more charisma maybe ... more tension throughout ... and so forth.

Fabrice du Welz's "Maldoror" is a brutal and unflinching dive into a world of moral decay. The film is a visceral and punishing experience. A relentless sense of dread and a suffocatingly grim atmosphere propel the narrative forward. Du Welz masterfully creates a claustrophobic and unsettling environment.

This is not a conventional horror or thriller. Instead, "Maldoror" functions as a psychological endurance test. It explores the darkest aspects of human nature with a cold, direct gaze. At 155 minutes, the film can feel long. However, its unflinching look at systemic issues and moral ambiguity is compelling. The film avoids simple answers. It meditates on how broken systems can push people toward questionable choices.

Is It Worth Watching? Yes, but with a strong warning. This film is a powerful and disturbing work of art. It is a skillfully crafted thriller for viewers who appreciate challenging, morally complex crime dramas. The heavy subject matter and extreme content demand emotional resilience. It is definitely not for the faint of heart.

Another film that I have to recommend. Saw it yesterday. The film is based on real events. A very exciting film that lasts throughout the entire film. Very well-acted film by the entire ensemble and a wonderful reunion of actress Beatrice Dalle. Who dares to forget the film Betty Blue 37.2 sur le matin? Absolutely not me anyway. The film takes us through a police case that eluded Belgium for a time and the cooperation between different police districts that was not the best. The film is exciting throughout and very intense tension in some parts. Very worth seeing if you like this kind of films.

Viewing at IFFR (I pet the director's dog)

6.5/10

The second half was pretty good. The lead character seemed better in his role and the camerawork was more suitable. A few moments were a great thrill because of the use of sound, music and different angles. Very well done.

Not too sure about the first part. The camerawork was too messy. Didn't feel like it was a serious movie about child molesters. Felt like a cheap thriller. The wedding felt a little ridiculous and I didn't think the lead character could carry a movie like this. I thought: bad casting, but, luckily, it got better!

Still not sure about the fiction part. Feels like I'm not taking this movie serious because of the partly fictionalized story. I doubt that would be the intention.

From Belgium comes the new film by one of Europe's most exciting directors today. Fabrice Du Welz recounts one of the crimes that shocked all of Belgium in the 1990s. Based on the brutal murders, rapes, and kidnappings of Marc Dutroux.

The director brings a truly cruel tale to the screen, but intensifies it with a personal look at a young police officer, whose personal story he takes the time to fully present in order to understand his direction throughout the investigation. By making this decision, the director delivers an excessively long film that, despite its 155 minutes, doesn't become tedious, but does feel somewhat redundant in certain areas.

It relies on its cast, who are fully committed, especially Anthony Bajon, who intensely takes hold of his character and demonstrates his talent for delivering raw moments with just a glance. An actor who is quite dedicated in his performances, he makes the most of it here. Along with Sergi López as the cruel man of the show, in a performance worthy of one of Spain's most chameleon-like actors, Alba Gaïa Bellugi, the iconic Béatrice Dalle, and Laurent Lucas also stand out.

Fabrice Du Welz's work is daring, but not explosive. While incisive at times, it doesn't emphasize cruelty to intensify the evil hidden throughout the story. Its director chooses, with mere glances and silences, to make us part of the cruelty hidden by a ruthless and inhuman killer. The mounting tension, the moral dilemmas that cross the line, and the personal consequences address a first-class drama in a solid film that grips you, envelops you, and slaps you in the face in equal measure at every moment.

A great film worth seeing, understanding, comprehension, analysis, and reflection on. A crime that still moves a Belgian society that's learning from its own mistakes, and the film emphasizes the things that went wrong with a bit more dramatization, but ultimately with a touch of reality. A more than interesting filmmaker who positions himself as truly passionate about bringing us closer to human cruelty.