Will be honest off the bat about not caring for any of the films in Amos Gitai's "Border Trilogy" (the other two being 2004's 'Promised Land' and 2005's 'Free Zone'), seeing them mainly because they had interesting subjects and performers (Rosamund Pike, Natalie Portman and Juliette Binoche primarily) responsible for some great work.
That being said, all three films have their merits but also a lot of faults. All three are examples of films that dealt with heavy, sensitive and brave subjects but could have done much more with them and handled them more compellingly and tactfully. Of the three, 2007's 'Disengagement' may be the best, being by far the best-looking and having a few moving, emotionally impactful moments that the other two lacked. Mostly though, the execution was wanting and it mostly left me disengaged.
'Disengagement' does have good things. As said, it is the best-looking of the trilogy, which is saying a lot seeing as 'Free Zone' in particular was visual chaos. There were however some beautiful images here and also some harrowing ones that will stay with me for a while. The scenery again is atmospheric and evocative. Again, another attraction is the soundtrack. Not only is it very well-composed and full of atmosphere and sheer beauty, it really adds and even enhances the mood, giving an emotional wallop.
Considering what they were given, the actors do a good job. Particularly Hiam Abbass on movingly dignified form and Jeanne Moreau. Operatic soprano Barbara Hendricks also impresses. Like 'Promised Land', the opening scene of 'Disengagement' was very promising, but the highlight story-wise is the poignant last 15-20 minutes.
However, despite the great opening and ending the film in between is messy. 'Disengagement' is never as distasteful or gratuitously salacious as 'Promised Land' or as preachy and confusing as 'Free Zone', but a lot of it is long-winded and dull. Particularly the first half which often goes nowhere, goes on for much too long and relies on the interaction of the actors which is not always very natural. The Gaza scenes are a little less drawn out, but are hardly illuminating or insightful and get heavy-handed and far too one-sided. It can be hard to follow too and feels very disorganised, as well as the two halves being far too much of a disconnect to each other (having little to no relevance to each other), but doesn't feel incomplete like 'Free Zone' did.
Script-wise, 'Disengagement' is very stilted, rambling and is one of the most bizarre for any film seen by me for a while. The character development is mostly very flimsy and extraneous, as aimless as the film's first half. There are exceptions to the acting, Binoche herself and Leron Levo, she trying too hard and he not enough. Once again, Gitai directs in a way that is suggestive of the concept of subtlety being completely alien to him.
In conclusion, some good things and the best of "The Border Trilogy" but mostly left me disengaged. 5/10 Bethany Cox
