“There’s something truly off-putting about The Electric State’s palette of junk and colorless branded robots. By trying to give this world such weight and grit, the filmmakers have doubled down on its ugliness. The Russos’ functional visual style isn’t enough to bring any real creativity into this universe. (Do they know any other way to introduce a character besides an ominous close-up of their feet? Can they shoot two kids doing a fancy handshake without resorting to eight separate cuts?)…
I generally love how PWSA films action, but this one doesn’t actually feel that much like an action movie — rather, I was just charmed by the twisted storybook look and the incessantly bleak mood.
Full review here: www.vulture.com/article/review-in-the-lost-lands-based-on-a-george-rr-martin-story.html
Third viewing.
Fourth viewing. I took a day trip from Venice (long story) to Modena, home of Ferrari and where this film was shot, to see Michael Mann premiere it to a local crowd, which included Piero Ferrari as well as many who worked on the film. A special evening. Knowing chuckles at odd places as people recognized locations and faces. Loud gasps at the bloody climax. I found myself even more moved this time by Penelope Cruz’s performance. Not unlike OPPENHEIMER, different emotional details come through with each viewing.
Seen at Cinema Victoria, Modena.
Full review here: www.vulture.com/article/michael-mann-ferrari-movie-review.html
Terrific movie that feels quiet and small until it gathers force to become about...everything. To call it a political film, however, would be reductive. It's kind of about the human condition. Really, quite remarkable. And wonderfully acted -- one of Farrell's greatest roles, certainly.
I did somehow wind up at the one Venice screening of this film without English subtitles, so I think I understood maybe 60 percent of what was said. Looking forward to seeing this again, many many times. Rating may rise as I do so.
Seen at Sala Grande, Venice Film Festival.
