Manifesto

Almost 2 hours of different art manifestos performed by Cate Blanchett who plays many different characters that aren't interconnected. There is no plot or story and although Mrs Blanchett is a very able and efficient actress none of it touches you and you don't get where its all going, what did the director want with this? Apart from showing us how clever he is? It reminds me more of a museum/video-installation type of thing than something you would put in a cinema.

Cate Blanchett once again displays her vast array of talent as she plays 12 different characters in 12 different settings decontextualising some of history's famous manifestos, bringing humour and new meaning to them, or perhaps no meaning, to stress a view of meaninglessness to them. There is no conventional narrative here but the film still has urgency to keep you watching through its compelling art direction and wit.

Acting is great and funny. Photography is gorgeous. The manifestos are interesting, BUT I would prefer to simply read them, instead of hearing those manifestos being recited for 2 HOURS by Cate Blanchet. Why? Because these manifestos, which are continuously being recited, are pretty intelligent and thought provoking. The content and it's message, evaporates to quickly when it is being read out aloud so fast. And there is CONTINUOUS reading of these manifestos for 2 HOURS straight, which is a bit overwhelming to comprehend.

That's my only criticism. More breathers in between would have been appreciated. I couldnt cope with even more manifestos after half an hour. However superb the acting and however gorgeous the photography, a simple written paper with the manifesto on it, would have more power and effect.

I didn't quite get it myself maybe partly cause english isn't my native language and the profanity was distracting but I think the general idea was about art being put on a leash with rules and manufactured for the consumer (like in the scene where the teacher CORRECTS the art of children instead of leaving it as it is) rather than being created as it is.It also seems to be about being too obsessed with glorifying old art and not really creating anything unique to our current time.

There is more art in this movie than in any of the mainstream movies you will find. It portrays passion for art and ideas humankind used to have in previous centuries. This passion was often expressed in a very radical language, as a result of the struggle between the driven artists and the establishment. All of that has disappeared in recent times, and all art has become derivative and compliant with consumerism.

Cate Blanchett's performance in various parts ranges from great to mesmerising. I've never really paid much attention to her work up until now but based on her acting in Manifesto, she's definitely the greatest actress of our time. She's got it all.

She could turn anyone into a Dadaist.