The Rooster

I thoroughly enjoyed this film written and directed by Mark Leonard Winter. An amazing performance by Phoenix Raei and Hugo Weaving. The film touches on mental health issues as well as the loneliness that many people face. To me It inspired many emotions which change throughout the film. The policeman played by Phoenix. Raei was outstanding and highlighted the stresses and mental issues that some police officer may be subject too. Hugo Weaving's performance was brilliant. I loved the film setting and the cinematography. The sound editing was amazing with a special mention to the excellent work by the foley artist whose work was outstanding.

This is so much more than a mystery. It is a beautifully crafted story about friendship and Hugo Weaving deserves every award going around for an absolutely authentic performance (Phoenix Raie is brilliant too). The background of the story is a man dealing with depression but it is not a sad film - without giving anything away it turns all your expectations on their head. The script is perfect and sparing - at its heart it is a film about male communication, how hard it is and how kindness and trust are so important. I have never seen anything like it and have not stopped thinking about it since I saw it two nights ago.

"The Rooster" is an exquisitely crafted cinematic masterpiece that enthrals viewers with its exceptional performances, particularly the mesmerizing on-screen chemistry between the lead characters. Their interactions convey a depth of emotion that resonates throughout the film, making their journey feel authentic and relatable. The screenplay is artfully intertwined, exploring themes of love, trust, and vulnerability with nuance. Its director executes the vision precisely, utilising stunning cinematography that enhances the narrative. The film bravely and boldly ventures into the complexities of human fragility and apprehension, fearlessly laying bare the intricacies of our shared human experience, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.

Did not have overly high expectations of this one, but 15 minutes into it, I found it to be quite moving, and was looking forward to it continuing in that vein. But the next 45 minutes ( I gave up at the hour point) just left me confused, bored, semi depressed, and struggling to make sense of the two men's behaviours? There have seemed to have been a rash of 'men in crises' films these past few years, some good (Whale) some not so good (Beau is afraid), with Rooster falling into the not so good category IMO.

Production values are good, with atmospheric visuals and soundtrack, editing is neat and tidy, apart from a couple of jarring scene transitions.

There are only two main characters, one likeable the other not, but ultimately ( well, up to 60 minutes) I found I did not care what happened to either of them, even though their unremarkable back stories were explained (in unremarkable ways).

Maybe the final 40 minutes makes it all make satisfying sense? I will likely never know.

"The Rooster," starring Hugo Weaving and directed by Mark Winter, is a cinematic gem that I was lucky enough to see it at MIFF. Hugo Weaving's performance is exceptional. He effortlessly embodies the complex character, bringing depth and authenticity to every scene. Mark Winter's direction is a revelation. He masterfully navigates the narrative, creating an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The pacing is spot-on, and Winter's ability to capture the essence of each moment is truly remarkable. His visual style adds an extra layer of depth to the film, making it a visual treat.

The Rooster's screenplay is equally impressive. It weaves a compelling story filled with unexpected twists and turns, making it impossible to predict the outcome. The dialogues are sharp and thought-provoking, adding layers of complexity to the characters and their motivations. The cinematography was also a real standout for me!