mheifets

In this futuristic German miniseries (4 episodes) a scientist funded by private billionaire's fund joins international space station to research longevity/immortality (it is not really clear how and if she is doing that). While communicating with her daughter by what looks like ham radio (!) setup she leaves the radio on and hears human like voice saying "hello" coming from outer space.

The rest of miniseries is filled with flashbacks and it is implied that we should be guessing if this is one of her hallucinations or for real.

The a malicious forces get to play a role intending to show that humanity really has not changed in the future for the better. The plot ends with a rather uninspiring finale Overall, it is somewhat entertaing but at times irritating to watch. Multiple plot disconnects and clumsy dialog abounds (i do not understand German and dubbing/subtitles may be at fault)

Make no mistake , this is a French film about love. It is fascinating that Woody Allen surprizes again with his ability to reinvent himself while preserving the freshness of delivery and keeping the viewer engaged to the very (surprising) end - all due to "coupe de chance" (a stroke of luck). While the similarity of "chance " echoes previous Woody's film, this story is about how love can express itself in many ways. He accomplishes this with focusing on people as they change during the film.

Admirable use of wide angle lens view to reflect the setting as can be seen by the character rather than TV style focus on faces. Cinematography is 10 stars, plot and acting 9 stars.

Joaquin Phoenix character starts the film by being rescued from a suicide by drowning.

Ariiving home he is greeted by his caring (all too caring?) mother played impeccably by Isabella Rosselini.

Later he is shown to be popping some pills.

He is introduced to Vinessa Shaw's Sandra, daughter of family friends. She performs admirably as understated beautiful and caring woman.

Later, a neighbour played by Gwyneth Paltrow, who stands in the stairwell is invited into the apartment to wait for her father antics to subside.

The rest of the movie is spent with the main character running from embraces of one woman to another with no insight into what he is thinking . His words do not match the body language, in a way he may represent someone who suffers from some social dysphoria. The film's plot offers no insight. While the acting of all the main characters is admirable, it cannot save the plot .Ending is rather disappointing. 9 stars for acting, 2 stars for plot.