This film is certainly not for everyone. If you loved `Lantana', then you might be ready for Rolf de Heer's `Alexandra's Project'. My late-20's son recommended I see this. His summary was that it simplifies and summarises a very complex issue - this issue of sexual politics between men and women within long-tern relationships.
This film is not meant to be realistic. It is meant to confront and to shock and to anger the viewer. Your response to this film will tell you everything about yourself, but little about the film. I consider it a rare work of genius. But it is obviously not for those looking for a nice night's entertainment.
Recently on `Big Brother 4' in Australia one of the young female evictees mentioned to Gretel Killeen, the host, that she hadn't removed all her clothing whilst showering in the BB house because her boyfriend had asked her not to, and she wanted to respect his wishes. Killeen replied with, `But it's your body, and it's your choice as to what you do with it.' The 22-year-old (who'd entered the BB house to `find herself'!!!) said `No, I wouldn't like it if the situation were reversed and he took off all his clothes.' This film is for girls like that!!! Unfortunately, the point would be lost on girls who believe that their boyfriends have ownership of their bodies. They would find this film boring and pointless.
For this reason, I feel that this film perhaps only speaks clearly to those - like myself - who have a personal experience of the issues it raises. Watch for the brief moment when Sweet's character fast-forwards through the tape when his wife begins to tell him - obviously for the umpteenth time!! - how unhappy she is. He says, `Yeah, yeah, heard it all before.' That moment was a concise metaphor for their relationship. Yes, the outcome is extreme, but it's not meant to be a skip and a dance down reality road.
See it if you dare.
