Ultra pulpe

Mandico does it again! Dream-like and bizarre. Reminiscent of performance art and fine art in general. Many will probably not get this film, but I think it's absolutely wonderful. A bizarre visual feast. Mysterious and somewhat abstract. I am cautious of using the word "surreal", but it sort of fits this dystopian film.

This is a wonderful film. To me it was all about growing old in a world that's growing old even faster - "We will not be taken to Mars" says one of the characters. Aging, being left behind ,misunderstood by family and by society. A funny, dirty and complex film.

You rarely watch these movies by hazard, you need to be initiated first and know something about the director, but for me it was a pure coincidence. Approachable running time packs tremendous visual punch and some messages you will be unpacking for quite a while. It's rather a collection of vignettes than a coherent narrative. Some will disagree with this statement, but the beauty of this movie is that you can choose what to make of it while enjoying the visuals. A true cinematic experience, that leaves you thinking. It's graphical, it's 'pulp', it's borderline uncomfortable sometimes, but it's magnetic and uniquely mesmerizing.

I recently watched the French film Ultra Pulpe (2018) on Shudder. The story follows a post-apocalyptic fantasy movie that's about to finish filming, intertwined with a love story born from the set.

Written and directed by Bertrand Mandico (The Wild Boys), the film stars Pauline Jacquard (The Beast), Elina Löwensohn (Schindler's List), Lola Créton (The Turn of Winter), and Vimala Pons (The Wild Boys).

This short film is phenomenal. The attire and props are striking, with smoke machines creating an atmospheric setting reminiscent of After Blue. The "perfect pearling" sequence is incredible and masterfully executed. There are cool torches, vibrant color usage, and an amazing baboon costume. The film also includes some nudity and carries an overall vibe similar to MTV's Liquid Television. There's a lot to like here.

In conclusion, Ultra Pulpe is a captivating short film with a tremendous backdrop and atmosphere. I'd score it 8/10 and strongly recommend it.