The Laplace's Demon

A group of researchers have developed a system that enables them to calculate seemingly random events, i.e., how many pieces a glass will shatter into when dropped from a table to the floor. Their studies attract the attention of a mysterious Professor, who invites them to his very remote house on top of a very steep rock in the middle of the ocean. But when they arrive, the Professor is not there, and instead he invites them to take part in an experiment of his devising. All they have to do is survive until dawn…. This is a first feature from writer/director/actor Giordano Giulivi, and it's absolutely wonderful. Montreal's FantAsia Festival 2017 was privileged to have the world premiere, complete with director and others involved at the screening; he mentioned that it took his filmmaking team 7 ½ years to make this film and it's easy to see why, given the really beautiful look of the (black and white) film, its atmospheric qualities and it's combination of incredibly detailed mechanistic movement via cogs and wheels along with the occasional pause for the actors to have a philosophical discussion about the meaning of life. Very Italian, very wonderful!

A glass in free fall. Have you ever thought if it is possible to calculate into how many pieces it can break into? After numerous experiments, a team of researchers succeeds in doing just this apparently impossible task. Attracted to their experiment, a mysterious professor invites the scientists in his isolated mansion to know more about their studies.

This film was intriguing before the first frame because of its name: "The Laplace's Demon". Anyone who knows philosophy or physics will recognize Laplace as a strong promoter of classic mechanics and therefore determinism. His "demon" could theoretically predict the future because all atoms move in a set pattern. Not unlike LaMettrie, his ideas strongly suggested a predictable, deterministic world was not just theory but reality. And, sure enough, this factors into the film at hand.

The concept of being able to accurately predict how many piece a glass will shatter into has some physics potential, but it has even more philosophical potential. And we see this when the scientists reach the mansion – as they have seemingly achieved a limited understanding of determinism, it is fitting that they themselves become pawns (literally) and their every move is predicted by forces unknown.

Due to the philosophical nature of the film, and its monochrome cinematography, it is being compared to the original "Twilight Zone". This is a fair comparison, and indeed it would fit in well alongside some of Rod Serling's finest scripts. But another fair comparison is to the work of Guy Maddin. Somehow we find ourselves in a rather timeless world, much like Maddin's throwbacks to Eisenstein. We know the film takes place in modern times because of the computers and such, but the look still has something of a retro or antiquated feel. The mansion itself would fit in well in a "dark house" film of the 1930s.

Going any further might risk giving too much away. The film does have some odd quirks about it, such as an Italian man named Jim Bob. Really? But all things considered, this is a great film and one that will make the brain wrinkle a little bit more than usual. "Laplace's Demon" screens July 21, 2017 at the Fantasia International Film Festival.

First of all let me say the movie is watchable. There are some good actors present and the cinematography is decent. The black and white images add something to the dark atmosphere but personally I'm not a fan of black and white movies. We're living in the modern ages where you can film something in extreme high colored resolution on our phones so making a movie in black and white is just outdated, but that's just my opinion. The reason why I score it only a five is because of the story which is just absurd and to be honest quite ridiculous. A sliding coffin swallowing people, taking stairs like it has feet, it is just ridiculous. People making the dumbest decisions ever and being afraid of the coffin is more laughable than scary. As for the cause and effect elements in the story it's again totally ridiculous and impossible. I can't say I'm a fan of this movie like others seem to be, but everybody is entitled to their opinion.

The story is a smart, steady paced suspense mystery told with claustrophobic, well thought out shots that frame the contrast between light and shadow beautifully. The characters, though not completely actualized, are both intriguing and familiar characters. They are the ideal fashion of indulgent self worth and intellect one expects to find gathered at such an outlandish, and Gothic deathtrap on an island in the middle of the sea.

The writing and dialog is clever, concise banter, super smart theoretical explanatory summary, that makes the film elevated concepts approachable and comfortable for the "everyman", and is entertaining. The scenes are stunning and the special effects are so cleverly done. Not to mention that "The Laplace's Demon" utilizes, so creatively, one of the best props to create such effective moments of suspense- a dollhouse. Overall this is a great, modern day revival of classic horror.

I must admit,I'm not a big fan of black and white movies when they don't really need to be,but on this occasion with the setting of the movie etc,it was very apt and really worked! I'm also not a big fan of reading subtitles for over 1and half hours,but I really didn't mind in this case,the movie was really well written and also acted by the Castro a very high level. I live in Yorkshire and the weather was so bad today I couldn't even leave my flat,so tried to watch numerous new movies,turned them all off,were just rubbish,then I saw this one and really didn't have much hope to be honest,but my god was I surprised,if you read this review,do yourself a favour even if like me you don't like reading subtitles,give it a shot,I did,and my word,I'm so glad I did, it was the best film I've watched since Birdbox,and believe me,I've watched plenty since then!