mozli

I'm sure this film upsets a lot of Jews. In about the same way Madea upsets some black men. These films(the Coen's and Perry)magnify and at times exaggerate the traits outsiders associate with black and Jewish people. In all fairness Perry has a way to go to catch up to the Coen's. This film is rich and laser sharp witty. It truly is adult although there's very little nudity or violence.

I can't remember such a God centered movie outside of the Tyler Perry's films. Tyler's answer was to make Madea his deus ex machina. The Coen's create a space within the film's textures for something metaphysical, supernatural to be discerned. There's a quality here that I can only describe as sadly satisfying in how the story develops and concludes. The Coen's provide you with all the information and then when the film is done you have to consider what you've experienced(in real life and in the film)to come up with your own idea of what it all means. It is worth the trip.

This recent film embodies my guiding statement at the bottom of this review more than any other in the last ten years or so. If you've made your way to this section I won't bother with plot descriptions. I still am not sure what I saw. Some of what occurs in the film defies the laws of physics. That is a wonderful thing in itself. This is not a film about your typical hit-man. His target is something most assassins would not begin to imagine taking on. As I mentioned in the summary title, Last Year at Marienbad is the closest comparison I can come up with. Beautiful locations, exquisite visual compositions and haunting music soundtrack. Jarumusch's pace can put people off if they aren't accustomed to it.It works for me. The fact that this is a big budget Jarumusch project also is important to note. When I think back to Stranger Than Paradise and how his style has matured up to this film is mind blowing. Kudos to the cast. Bill Murray is one of Americas acting treasures. Tilda Swinton is incredibly sensuous and Isaac de Bankole is starting to hit his stride as a leading man in world cinema. I doubt if Hollywood will shackle him down but there are plenty of film directors outside the U.S. Who will know how to use his talent and energy in their projects.

I watched this with an acquaintance of mine and they hated it. Each to his own. However, if you need a break from standard pop movie fare give it a try.