laurent-milot

A rock on the head... I felt as if I was hit that way watching this new opus from Claire Denis at its TIFF world premiere. People walking out, scarce applause, you know you watched something else, something reminding you that cinema really is an incredible medium, acting is more than reading texts and showing pretty faces, and writing is an art on its own. Without spoiling the movie, just know that it's not what you expect, likely not what you want to see (or I seriously question your sanity), and that the U.F.O may be a metaphor for the movie itself and/or the viewer, absorbed as they are inexorably towards an unforgiving black hole. Cast is amazing, with special mention for Juliette Binoche, unforgettable, although you wished you could.

"C'est la vie" is a hilarious movie, but also very french, which is both a great thing, as its humour captures very well some subtleties about the french, and a weakness, as some north-American critics may not appreciate these subtleties, as they aren't as "in your face" as often seen. But from a French pov, this is an absolute pleasure. First and foremost, Jean-Pierre Bacri does "du Bacri", and this from the onset. The laughs are loud, the control and pace perfect. From that point on, this great ensemble will carry the movie from surreal situations to absurd quid pro quo leaving the audience in tears from laughs and deeply satisfied. In days and age where everything is so serious, don't feel guilty to enjoy this joyful parenthesis.

"Three Christs" was a last minute choice of mine at the TIFF. As a big Dinklage's fan, and considering that it was a world premiere, it was easy enough to go check it out. I'm glad I did. This movie is one about the brain and its struggles, but it does so with a big heart. It's funny and touching with a good balance, and the acting is top notch (I'm actually a bigger Dinklage's fan after the movie). The underlying themes about psychiatry as science and its potential negative effect on personality, the nature of identity, the complex interaction of desire and fear are inhabiting the film and are as relevant today as they were at the time. In summary, a great entertaining movie with a deeper layer... and a stellar Dinklage!