Morlang

"Morlang" is a movie that has not been seen in this country except in film festivals. It deserves a look. Director Tjebbo Penning, having also collaborated in the adaptation shows he has a sense of style in the way he has layered this picture.

Basically, it's the story of a painter, whose work was much admired, but is currently going through a crisis caused by his past coming to haunt him. Julius Morlang is a man who loved Ellen, his first wife. When she gets sick, Morlang is supportive until he realizes Ellen has not been a model wife at all. Her betrayal triggers a set of events that will actually bring chaos to his life with Ann, the much younger woman he has married after the death of Ellen.

Paul Freeman, an actor who has worked in television extensively, is the troubled painter. We watch him at various points of the Morlang's life and Mr. Freeman does an excellent work with his role. Equally effective are Diana Kent, who plays Ellen, and Susan Lynch, as the younger Ann.

The film tend to involve the viewer because it's never clear from the beginning how the character of Morlang is unraveling before our eyes, or what provoked it.

This Dutch film was made mostly in Ireland--an interesting pedigree for a film! This is a very strange film for American audiences because the style is so alien compared to Hollywood's fare. Instead of starting with a bang like most films, this one very slowly unfolds--giving you more and more insight into the characters and plot over the course of the film. Unfortunately, people who expect to see lots of action or plot early on might be tempted to turn off the film. I must admit that I was a bit irritated because a half hour into the movie I still didn't see where this film was headed. However, in hindsight, this is the beauty of MORLANG. Its slow and artistically handled script worked well once I let go of my need for immediate clarity.

The title character, Morlang, is a famous modern artist whose life seems rather ideal at first. He is successful, has a lovely young girlfriend (or bride--they never made this clear) and lives in a nice home along the cliffs of the Irish coast. However, into his almost ideal world come bizarre and cryptic messages from an unknown person. These messages concern the death of his wife and at first the work seem like that of a mad man or person who is just a jerk. However, why he is being stalked and persecuted is slowly revealed--showing that there is far more to the story than just some bizarre fan harassing him. This led to many unexpected twists and turns that kept me guessing--something that doesn't happen enough in films. As a result, the plot seems more intellectually stimulating and fascinating than anything else. While I could tell you a lot more about the plot, I won't, as it might spoil your viewing.

By the way, I really liked some of Morlang's art. I don't know who really did the pieces, but some of his canvases were really exceptional--particularly the nude self-portrait. Because we got to see Morlang work during the film, the movie reminded me a bit of the amazing Alec Guinness classic, THE HORSE'S MOUTH--though in most other ways, these are very, very different films.

Also, parents be forewarned--the subject matter gets very adult AND there's some graphic male nudity. It was appropriate to the film, so it wasn't necessarily objectionable--but I doubt if most parents want their kids seeing frontal nudity of old men.

I saw a sneak preview of this movie today, so I had no idea what to expect when I saw the title appear on screen. The film is a little slow paced, so at first I just wanted more information to know what kind of movie it would be. Soon I found myself yearning for more information along the storyline, and that feeling stayed until the end. The movie sort of sneaks up on you, drags you inside and doesn't let go.

Julius Morlang is an artist in his mid fifties who lives at the Irish coast with his wife Ann. Aside from what seems a couple of random images, the movie starts by showing a happy Morlang. Soon we are taken back two years and an intriguing plot unfolds.

I liked the directing and the camera work a lot. A lot of shots struck me as being of the right kind at the right time. The way the viewer is fed pieces of information throughout the movie has of course been done before, but was executed very well. The acting was more than satisfactory.

The only thing that bothered me a little was the terrible Dutch accent of one of the actors. Bothersome, but absolutely genuine I can tell you.

A high quality production, which certainly deserves the attention of a large audience. Overall, I give this movie 8 out of 10.

The role of the muse in an artist's personal palette is one topic of interest. And vice versa perhaps. The challenges in a relationship for a decade and beyond, that is a topic of more general note.

These are in the blender here, but I almost wish I had seen the tagline "Based on a true story" when I saw the trailer. The trailer made the film look more compelling, but I wonder if some of the non-fiction elements weighed this down for me.

It's definitely a different film, and the Film Movement series has often been rewarding. Something keeps us at a distance here, perhaps to heighten elements of suspense, but maybe more related to the guarded nature of the characters.

Fine acting did help carry the film, especially from the semi-stoic Udo Kier body double in the lead. (Yes, I should perhaps watch more Paul Freeman films...)

Anyways, this is my review....based on a true viewing.

This film is set on the high end of the European art world. It's a story of an artist's obsession for his wife and jealousy of a rising young artist. These two forces are what motivate Morlang to do everything he does in this film. I also question the motives of the young rising artist. This film just confirms that even though man is the most intelligent animal on the planet, he's still an animal. I can't say much more without giving it away. The cinematography was perfect; great angles, telling the story without words. I'm glad Film Movement brought this movie to the U.S.. It would've been a shame if this film went by unnoticed.