The trailer to the controversial film “Antichrist”

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 03:48:56 -0400

"The Fantastic "Antichrist""

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 03:48:06 -0400

When the film first premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, the reception, for the most part, was negative, to borderline hostility. For those, who haven’t seen the film, the reason why the film was not so well received, was the film’s use of ultra violent scenes and the like. The reception to the film was so negative, that the jury decided to invent an ecumenical award for the most obscene film of the entire festival. Despite the negative press, this film did achieve a level of redemption by Charlotte Gainsbourg winning the best actress award for her portrayal of a grieving mother who basks in despair while on the brink of madness. And ever since the premiere at Cannes, every other film festival this year has either pulled it after just one screening, not showing the film at all, or go balls out (no pun intended) and just show the film before an audience.   Before watching this film, I had no idea who Lars von Trier was and what films he had made throughout his career. It turns out, that a few years ago, he shared an Academy Award nomination with Bjork in the best song category for the film “Dancer in the Dark”.

Another thing that I found out about Trier was his use of ongoing themes in his films, with the exception to Dogville. Ordinarily, the ongoing themes of Trier’s films revolve around an innocent young woman who dies a horrible death that happens out of no comeuppance to those who have committed the crime. This film is a departure for Trier, who delves into the art house horror genre in a curious manner. Aside from the ultra violent and psychosexual themes, the film unto itself has some consolations to its credit. The first obvious point, is the beautiful cinematography by Anthony Dod Mantle of Slumdog Millionaire fame. Second, was Trier’s extensive use of symbolism, which proves to be part of a riddling film going experience. And lastly, Trier’s use of a simple, but complex theme of the human condition as a means to an end unto itself.  The premise of the film is surrounded a couple grieving for their deceased son, who lost his life by falling off an open windowsill. The two principle characters (Dafoe and Gainsborough) that Trier writes, are reduced to two psychological/ philosophical archetypes that are the polar opposites from each other. Lets just say, that the consequences of being stubborn and arrogant, and in addition to self-denial of grieving your own flesh and blood, can result in a series of chaotic events, needless to say is a messed up position to be in. After recovering from the barrage of chaos and destruction. I slowly made a few comparisons to some controversial films that are similar to this concept, and I came to the conclusion that this is a sister film of David Lynch’s Blue Velvet, Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut, and others that are in a similar light as Trier’s experimental Opus.

  In retrospect, I never thought that I could endure such a barrage of cacophonous chaos that even makes the tough moviegoer into a limp, sore, and aching (mentally and physically) spectator. I’ve never felt such feelings for a film like this before, which brings forth a barrage of questions on why I even saw this film. I truly do not believe, in light of its own controversy, that this film will be nominated for any kind of Academy Award. Even if it deserved the nomination, the only categories that come to mind are best cinematography, best sound editing, and best original screenplay. At this point of the year, the film looks more and more like a long shot for any kind of awards contention. I’m not saying that this film is bad, but this film is a victim of its own controversy, I think that there were some parts of the film that needed to be cut out. But then again, who gives a hoot, it Lars Von Trier that allows his ballad of chaos to reign. I’ll give this film a mild matinee, but view this film with a sense of caution. Buckle up!

RENTAL FOR THE COCKBLOOD!!!

WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST HUMAN MEMORY?

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:48:00 -0400

My earliest human memory was when I saw the face of a harry gorilla, breathing heavily into my face; so much so, that I almost vomited in the back of my throat. I then realized that that same harry gorilla had turned from a gigantic hairball to a cromagnum asshole.

To be frank, I would have to make the admission that...

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:45:59 -0400

To be frank, I would have to make the admission that Speilberg’s “Artificial Intelligence” has to be one of his most underrated films out there today. Had Kubrick lived to see this piece of work finally come to furition, he would have been proud. But there are people who disagree with this film, more specifically, the ending, which I won’t spoil for those who have not seen this masterpiece.

"The Conundrum of the Capricorn"

The trailer to the controversial film “Antichrist”

"The Fantastic "Antichrist""

WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST HUMAN MEMORY?

To be frank, I would have to make the admission that...