malccochran
Joined Apr 2015
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Reviews8
malccochran's rating
The filming of this is like a very modern version of the Cinema-Verite of the 1950s. A handheld camera following our heroine around. Bleak shots of cold street. Excellent opening speech in Court, allowing us to move to the film's real action. Court-room, Sci-Fi white, rectangular architecture everywhere. Ultra-modern flat, then switch to fascinating ultra-modern computer work, touch of AI. Flash images of her professional job (is it obvious why she doesn't continue with it?). Her use of "magic" software, getting the access she seeks. The pseudo-climax, poker faced, she gets what she needs. But then what? Some good old fashioned drama to give us some standard proof, but dramatically believable, of the case (to us, the audience).
In addition, the little waif brought in to cast doubt on the direction of the plot. So necessary, because without her, the angle is all unidirectional. The easily overlooked TV interviews explain her motive by giving contrast between victim and observer, between the herd instinct-to-blame versus objectivity (It is a nice touch). The only odd bit to me, is almost the final scene, when she takes fotos of herself in the victim's bedroom. Why? Obsession?
The use of white subtitles is often annoying against a white background.
In addition, the little waif brought in to cast doubt on the direction of the plot. So necessary, because without her, the angle is all unidirectional. The easily overlooked TV interviews explain her motive by giving contrast between victim and observer, between the herd instinct-to-blame versus objectivity (It is a nice touch). The only odd bit to me, is almost the final scene, when she takes fotos of herself in the victim's bedroom. Why? Obsession?
The use of white subtitles is often annoying against a white background.
The plot begins as a lad (Alex) with either ADHD or on dope causes trouble then disappears. There is mysterious signalling from a car on a lonely road. Another boy has disappeared earlier. The main characters are two boys and a girl, with the father of one, the village policeman, widowed. Other characters appear, but the main action is trying to piece together where Alex is - common answer, 'He has just gone away.' The plot gets quite complex but the action and acting moves deliberately slowly; more realistic than "rushing about".
It is explained finally, but it would have been better to fill in just some of the movements to give a bit of direction - it would not have spoiled things. The ending is a bit "sugary" and might have been done differently.
The last touch suggests a sequel.
It is explained finally, but it would have been better to fill in just some of the movements to give a bit of direction - it would not have spoiled things. The ending is a bit "sugary" and might have been done differently.
The last touch suggests a sequel.
Brilliant mix with extreme characters and plot. Maybe one just a bit too moral, and the penultimate action (IMO) could have been done a bit better. But otherwise...10 stars.