Manifesto

Manifesto might be the most unique viewing experience I've had in a while. Directed by German artist Julian Rosefeldt, who according to Wikipedia: "Elaborate, visually opulent film and video installations, often shown as panoramic multi-channel projections." I did more digging and found out Manifesto was originally an art installation. From the photos I've seen, visitors to the exhibit would walk to different screens where a clip of the movie would be playing. I think that's the gist of it at least.

Now I'd be lying if I told you I understood any of the monologues or "manifestos" presented in this movie. If I'm not mistaken, I believe one was about the relationship between art and capitalism. If anything, this movie felt like an entire semester of art philosophy crammed into an hour and a half film. I don't usually watch these kinds of experimental movies where plot is basically non-existent, but Cate Blanchett got me through it all.

Okay so here is what I wanted to talk about the most, Cate Blanchett's performance. I've always loved Cate Blanchett as an actress but Manifesto made me realize how amazing and talented she really is. I can't believe I never realized she had THIS much range. In one scene, she's playing a mousey housewife eating dinner with her family and in another, she's a brash punk-rocker chick. I was absolutely floored. The way she is able to slip into all of these roles astonished me. I swear, she slips into these performances like most people slip into shoes.

Even though we know nothing about any of these characters, we can infer who these people are by their facial expressions, behavior, and tone of voice. All the body language felt authentic and true for each character. In fact, I want to know more about these people. I could watch Cate Blanchett play a punk-rocker chick or a dance choreographer for hours. I would pay more attention to the news if Cate Blanchett was the anchor.

I also want to commend the costuming, hairstyling, makeup, etc. They really did elevate Cate's transformations throughout the film. In one scene, she's a loud, dirty, male drunk and in another, she's this really beautiful and well-spoken party host. I just loved seeing the contrasts that highlighted her versatility.

As I said before, I had no idea what was being said in regards to the philosophical art-talk, but Cate's performance kept me engaged the whole time. If anything this film may have convinced me that she's the best actress working right now. I can't believe I'm saying that over somebody's art project, but Cate Blanchett simply killed it.

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.

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.

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.

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.